Vision: Impossible

Technology has always played a vital role in improving accessibility for people with visual impairments. From screen readers to Braille displays, digital tools help break down barriers to education, work, and everyday life.  Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved and become a great new tool. Either in the form of wearables such as the Meta RayBan Glasses or Ally Solos or in the form of apps such as Gemini and Seeing AI. These tools do not act as a replacement for existing assistive tech, but as something that builds upon the fundamentals of what already exists. For many people with a visual impairment, AI isn’t a futuristic hype. It’s a practicality that provides the support, independence, and inclusion that they need now. Turning Visual Information into Accessible Information One of AI’s biggest strengths is its ability to interpret visual information and turn it into something that is accessible. AI-powered tools give people access to information that otherwise ...

  Braille is a code composed of raised dots, a tactile reading and writing system that enables blind and visually impaired people to access written information through touch. It is so much more than just an alphabet, braille is a gateway to independence, education, and full participation in society.   History of Braille Braille was invented in the early 19th century by Louis Braille, a Frenchman who lost his sight following an accident in his father’s workshop as a child. While studying at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris, Louis was introduced to a raised-dot system originally designed for soldiers to read messages in the dark. Finding it too complex, he adapted and simplified the idea. By age 15, he had developed the six-dot system that we use today. Each braille character is made up of a cell containing up to six raised dots arranged in two columns of three. Different combinations represent letters, numbers, punctuation, and even musical notation. Althoug...

There are 3 main types of mobility aids that can help those who are blind or have low vision: white canes, adaptive mobility devices and guide dogs. There are multiple different types of white canes and some require specialist training to be able to use them safely and effectively.  White canes Symbol cane Symbol canes are short aluminium tubes that vary in length (between 70cm and 105cm) that can be used either folded or unfolded. This type of cane does not have a tip on the end as it is not designed to make contact with anything. It is specifically there in order to notify others that the person holding it has a visual impairment. This type of cane is usually held by the torso of the person, either diagonally across their body or straight down the side of their body, the same side as the hand that is holding it.    Guide cane  Guide canes are aluminium tubes that vary in length (between 85cm and 115cm) that can only be used unfolded. This cane should meas...

Introduction and Purpose The sighted guide technique is a structured method for providing support to individuals that are blind or have low vison. It allows them to be able to move safely and confidently through various environments. The technique emphasizes consent, communication, and physical positioning to ensure comfort and independence. The sighted guide technique is useful because it allows someone  who is visually impaired to  receive the support that they need in the form of clear verbal cues about upcoming obstacles like curbs, stairs or doorways Key Points Consent First – Always ask the person if they want any assistance before initiating contact. Communication – Make sure to provide clear, and concise verbal cues about what’s happening and what’s ahead. Safety and Comfort – Maintain a natural walking rhythm and avoid pulling or pushing.   Step-by-Step Procedure A. Initial Contact Approach calmly and verbally identify yourself. Ask: “Would you like some assistan...

  October is Blindness Awareness Month. It is a chance to shed light, open eyes and minds, to show people what it really means to live with vision loss. It’s not just a chance to talk about statistics or eye conditions. It’s an opportunity to learn about the people that it affects — their independence, resilience. It is also a chance to learn about the impact that it has on their friends and families. It is also a great opportunity to talk about the creativity that goes into the daily navigation of a world that was built for those who are sighted. it’s a reminder of how far the world has come, how much room there still is for improvement, and how powerful it is when people start to truly understand blindness. More than just what meets the eye When people hear the word “blind,” many imagine living in total darkness, but that is not the case for most, only 10 to 15% of people with vision loss see nothing at all. Blindness is a spectrum. Some people see light and shapes; others ha...

When people talk about accessibility, they often jump to the features that were designed only for those with disabilities. But universal design is something bigger. It's about creating spaces, products, and technology that work for everyone, no matter their ability, age, or circumstance.  The concept was developed in the 1970s–80s by architect Ronald Mace, who used a wheelchair himself. He believed that good design should serve everyone, not just those who fit a “standard” mould.  There are seven internationally recognised principles that contribute to universal design. These are... Equitable Use. This ensures that the design is useful and marketable to people with varying degrees of ability. Flexibility in Use. This ensures that the design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. Simple and Intuitive Use. This ensures that the design is easy to understand, regardless of a user’s experience, knowledge, or language skills. Perceptible Information. This...