The Power of Technology

For people with vision impairment, technology can make it easier and more intuitive to access both digital and real-life spaces. Tools like smart phone apps, assistive tech and physical information points like NaviLens QR codes can empower people to get around more independently.

The proliferation of smart phone apps in particular has led to more open access to the world, both in terms of getting out and about but also taking part in hobbies and entertainment. Apps are either designed specifically with vision impairment in mind or offer functionality that can help.

From navigation and object recognition, to reading text and providing image descriptions on social media, these apps are enhancing independence for people with sight loss. More and more they are also leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms to perform tasks that someone might have previously needed a sighted person to assist with.

For example, apps like Be My Eyes and Seeing AI make use of AI to describe surroundings, read text, and identify objects. These tools can be invaluable in everyday situations, such as navigating unfamiliar environments, reading menus, or recognising products in the trolley at your weekly shop.

“I don’t think I could live alone if there weren’t things like Be My Eyes, Seeing AI… I do want to be an independent person – I chose to live on my own, I chose to move to London. Technology has absolutely given me my independence and my freedom to do things,” said Cerys, a cane user.

Apps can also connect you to real people for extra support.

“If I leave work late sometimes, they lock the front gate so I have to use a different route that I don’t know very well to get out. I will use Be My Eyes to get somebody on video call to give me some help,” said Cerys.

Navigation apps like Google Maps and BlindSquare provide detailed audio cues and turn-by-turn directions, as well as wayfinding beacons and points of interest, making it easier for people with sight loss to get around independently.

VoiceVista, an off shoot of the original Microsoft Soundscape app (since discontinued and made open-source) uses audio feedback to let you know if you’re going the right way.

Dennis, a cane user, said: “I like VoiceVista [because] as well as giving you directions and the ability to create and follow routes, it has a sound beacon. You can set this so you can know that you’re going in the right direction or if you’ve turned and gone the wrong way. You can even use it just for exploring, if you’re brave enough to go exploring without following a route.”

Beyond smartphone apps, other technological advancements are also making a significant impact. For instance, smart canes, smart glasses or body cameras equipped with sensors can detect obstacles and alert you to potential hazards as well as describing what’s around the immediate environment. While these may not yet be in the mainstream, it gives an indication of the direction of travel for future development.

More well-used technology like screen readers and Braille displays enable access to on-screen information, while voice assistants like Apple’s Siri and Google Assistant can control devices and provide answers through voice commands.

While technology may offer us almost unlimited potential, there are still barriers to overcome. The digital divide means that while some people can quickly and easily access the technology they need, others may not. Factors such as poor internet access, affordability of devices, or digital literacy can all play a part in how easily people can access the technology they need.

This year, Guide Dogs has worked with the Vision Partnership, a group of sight loss sector organisations to try and address some of these challenges, producing a tool called Tech Selector. This online selection tool can provide personalised recommendations for tech products and services tailored precisely to your needs.

Alongside Tech Selector there is a range of in-depth information, advice and guides to technology on the Guide Dogs website that is regularly reviewed and added to.

Guide Dogs also provides training and support around technology and independent living to people with sight loss through our vision rehabilitation services, as well as encouraging developers and content creators to adhere to accessibility standards.

Through this work, we hope to achieve a more inclusive digital world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate equally and live the lives they choose.