Technological advancements continue to dramatically impact how people with blindness and low vision connect with the world around them.

Accessible technology, low vision devices, and adaptive equipment are essential components of vision rehabilitation training. Their use increases a person’s connections, confidence, safety, and independence.

Orientation and mobility tools

A core mobility tool for people living with vision loss is the white cane, which helps detect obstacles and surface changes. Adaptive tips can be added to enhance environmental feedback, with smart and AI-assisted versions now available.

Dog guides can offer enhanced navigation support and guide their handlers with blindness and low vision through complex environments. Dog guides are especially helpful in areas with increased obstacles, drop-offs, and surface changes, as well as in fast-moving crowds or spaces. Dog guides serve as an enhancement, not a replacement, for strong orientation and mobility skills.
Learn more about the benefits of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training.

Enhanced navigation tools

Smartphones and tablets offer built-in accessibility navigation tools and features, such as:

• VoiceOver, TalkBack, GPS, and other navigation apps provide audio directions and instructions to help you travel more safely and confidently. Apps can also be used to describe the environment and locations in great detail, including landmarks.
• Google Maps, Apple Maps, and other apps offer real-time orientation and navigation support inside and outdoors. 
• Google’s Seeing Eye AI is a free app that serves as a virtual assistant for those with vision loss, narrating their surroundings.
• Added devices use ultrasound or laser technology to detect obstacles and provide auditory feedback or vibration.

Increased connection and communications

Additionally, a broad range of tools, devices, and systems provides vital access to information and digital content for people with blindness and low vision. Options vary from high-tech to lower-tech and high-cost to lower-cost solutions. Examples include:

• Screen reading software such as JAWS translates screen information into electronic text then sends it to a speech synthesizer (for audio reading) and/or a refreshable Braille display (for tactile reading). A Braille Embosser can also be used to print Braille materials.
• Braille keyboards help make typing more accessible on computers and smart devices.
• Magnifying software can enlarge items and onscreen content and text, making it easier for people with low vision to read text and view images and other graphics. Alternative Text is increasingly used for digital information to describe pictures and other graphics. Larger monitors and screens also assist when viewing onscreen content.
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR) translates printed text into digital text that screen readers can convert for audio output.
• Voice-activated assistants can assist people living with vision loss with various tasks, including managing a calendar, locating recipes, creating shopping lists, setting reminders for medical and other appointments, listening to music, audiobooks, podcasts, and so much more. Voice Assistants can also be used to control many smart home devices to adjust heating, lighting, and more.
• Smartphone accessibility features can enhance the use of smart devices for people with blindness and low vision, some through voice activation. Screen displays can be customized for larger text size, color, and contrast. Screen magnification may be used to magnify the area and items in front of the camera, including a larger area, images, and text. Be sure to check the accessibility features on your device, as they can vary based on your device’s hardware and software.
• Audio description services provide descriptive narration for movies, TV and cable shows, or live performances to communicate visual content to people with vision loss.

Object and scene recognition aapps

A growing number of apps and tools are available to provide live and enhanced support:

• Be My Eyes connects people with vision loss to sighted volunteers who provide live support via a smartphone video call. You can also take a photo of something and Be My AI TM can describe it for you. Be My Eyes services, available 24/7 in over 150 countries, can be incredibly helpful for a broad range of uses, including finding items, checking labels, or confirming prescription medication.
• Aira Explorer provides visual interpretation and connects you with a professional visual interpreter 24/7.
• Seeing Eye AI offers barcode scanning for general objects in addition to environmental insights.
• Envision AI provides access to a wide range of everyday visual information, including the Ally virtual assistant. For example, you can ask Ally what jacket to wear, and the app will check the local weather to provide tailored recommendations. The app can also learn your preferences – including dietary restrictions—so when you visit a restaurant, you can ask Ally for suggestions on the best menu options.

The number of high-tech and AI-powered options continues to grow.

Added devices empower people with vision loss to complete daily tasks more easily. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Talking or large print devices provide information audibly or increase the size or contrast of information. Examples of talking devices include talking calculators, watches, and scales. Braille watches are also available so wearers can track time through touch.  
• Large print and Braille books and notetakers help people with vision loss access vital information, read, write, and store digital text. Additionally, Audiobooks help continue the joy of reading. Handheld and other types of magnifiers can also be used to increase the size of objects, text, and content.
• Tactile markers and Braille labelers create labels to help identify objects by touch. These labels can be used throughout the home and office to identify equipment and appliance settings. They can also be used to identify items and objects, e.g., food, personal hygiene supplies, cleaning, and other products. QR codes and other codes are also being used to access information audibly. Did you know Spoken RX®, offered by CVS Pharmacy, helps those with vision loss confirm the prescription in hand and how to use it?

As technology options expand, there is continued hope that companies will incorporate accessibility— for people with blindness, low vision, and other disabilities—into their hardware and software as it’s being developed. Only then will everyone have equal access to information and communication—vital components for a rich quality of life.

Your local vision rehabilitation agency can provide crucial training and help determine optimum technology, devices, and aids based on specific vision loss and daily challenges. Visit Time to Be Bold to locate local vision rehabilitation services and other vital resources. Call the APH hotline to receive support and practical coping strategies for everyday tasks, join remote discussion groups, and access free online resources at the APH Connect Center and VisionAware.

To learn more about support for people with blindness and low vision, including vision rehabilitation services, enjoy the other articles in this series:

• What Are Vision Rehabilitation Services and How Can They Help Older Adults?
• Living Well With Blindness, Low Vision, and Vision Impairment
• Common Age-Related Eye Diseases: What to Know and What You Can Do

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90CSSG0048 and 90FPSG0051 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.