How Does Technology Help People With Blindness?
Bloomberg recently published an article discussing how technology can improve the quality of life for people with blindness. The fact that the article was written by a blind person proves technology can help with daily tasks. In this case, the author describe writing with a customized PC that enlarges icons and text. It is one example of many technologies that can help people with blindness. Others include the following:
- Magnifying text: Tablets and smartphones can use apps to work as magnifiers. In the Bloomberg article, the author mentions how they use these apps to read restaurant menus, signs and other important information. Apps like Make it Big or LargeType are examples.
- Giving directions: Some smartphone and tablet apps like BlindSquare use GPS and voice guidance to provide detailed directions for people with blindness. Depending on the app, users receive turn-by-turn directions that help with navigation. Future apps may offer directions inside of buildings.
- Describing objects: Apps like TapTapSee, use smartphone cameras and voice guidance to describe objects. Users take photos of objects and receive descriptions. For objects the app does not recognize, users upload photos onto social media for identification.
- Describing text: Several programs and apps read text and provide voice guidance for users. This is useful for reading signs, menus, books and other written material. It is especially helpful for writing.
Can Parents of Preemies with ROP Use These Apps?
As the author of the Bloomberg article noted, these technologies did not exist several decades ago. Apps and other technologies may make schooling easier for blind children. Parents of preemies who suffered ROP blindness may find some of these apps useful, especially in an educational setting.
The retinopathy of prematurity lawyers at Shapiro Law Group are dedicated to helping parents of preemies with ROP blindness.