Assistive Tech for Blind  Ugandans

Assistive technologies for the blind and visually impaired in Uganda have evolved significantly, offering individuals greater independence, access to information, and enhanced learning opportunities. These technologies range from simple tools to sophisticated devices and software, designed to aid in various aspects of daily life, including education, employment, and personal navigation. before we delve into this topic, be informed to visit the different assistive technologies for the deaf learners.

Examples of assistive technologies in Uganda schools

Here are several examples of assistive technologies that have proven invaluable for the blind and visually impaired:

1. Screen Readers

Screen readers are software programs that enable visually impaired users to read the text displayed on a computer screen with a speech synthesizer or braille display. Popular screen readers include JAWS (Job Access With Speech), NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access), and VoiceOver on Mac and iOS devices. On android devices like smart phones, tablets and smart televisions, Talkback and Commentary screen readers are also being used. These tools are essential for accessing websites, emails, documents, and social media.

2. Braille Displays

Braille displays are devices that connect to computers or smartphones, converting on-screen text into braille through a series of raised dots. This allows users to read through touch. The displays range from small, portable models with just a few braille cells to larger, desktop versions that can show a full line of text from a screen.

3. Talking Calculators

Talking calculators are handheld calculators that announce the numbers, symbols, and operations aloud, making them accessible for individuals who are blind or have low vision. These calculators are particularly useful in educational settings, enabling students to perform mathematical calculations independently. Among these calculators, there are simple and scientific  devices.

4. Digital Book Players

Specialized digital book players are designed for the visually impaired, providing access to audiobooks and text-to-speech reading of digital texts. Devices like the Victor Reader Stream and the Plextalk Pocket allow users to navigate books and documents efficiently, with features tailored to their needs.

5. Mobile Apps

Various mobile apps have been developed to assist the blind and visually impaired. Apps like Seeing AI (by Microsoft) and Be My Eyes leverage the power of smartphones to provide real-time visual recognition and assistance. Seeing AI can identify and narrate the text, recognize faces, and describe objects and scenes. Be My Eyes connects blind users with sighted volunteers for visual assistance through a live video call. Other apps include: Google’s Lense and lookout and Kibo, which help blind individuals to know what’s around them. These applications can be downloaded from Google play store and apple store.

6. GPS Navigation and Mobility Aids

GPS technology has been integrated into devices and apps tailored for the visually impaired, offering voice-guided navigation and location services. Apps like BlindSquare and Lazarillo GPS provide information about surroundings, nearby places, and directions, enhancing mobility and independence.

7. Refreshable Braille Note-takers

Braille note-takers are portable devices that allow users to take notes in braille, manage calendars, and perform other organizational tasks. These devices often include braille keyboards for input and refreshable braille displays for output, along with speech output capabilities.

8. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Software

OCR software converts printed text into digital text that can be read by screen readers or displayed on braille displays. This technology enables blind and visually impaired individuals to access printed materials, such as books, magazines, and documents. KNFB Reader and Adobe Scan are examples of apps that offer OCR capabilities for mobile devices.

9. Wearable Technology

Innovative wearable technologies like the OrCam MyEye attach to eyeglass frames and can read text from books, screens, and environmental signs aloud to the user. They can also recognize faces and products, aiding in social interactions and daily activities.

Conclusion

These assistive technologies represent just a fraction of the tools available to support the blind and visually impaired. They illustrate the advancements in technology that have made it possible for individuals with visual impairments to engage more fully with the world around them, pursue education and employment opportunities, and enjoy greater independence in their daily lives. As technology continues to advance, the potential for new and improved assistive tools grows, promising even greater accessibility and inclusion for individuals with visual impairments.