Role of technology in the life of people with visual impairments

In today's world technology has made people with visual impairments (VI) almost independent. When you think of technology from the perspective of VI, you can think of two broad categories:  

General technology/devices: Such as computers, smartphones and cell phones, GPS devices, etc.

Assistive technology: Software/apps designed specifically to help people with vision loss or other disabilities, including everything from screen readers like Jaws or screen magnifiers for low-vision users, video magnifiers and other devices for reading and writing with low vision, to braille watches and braille printers. Back in the days when I was a student, computers and smart phones were not accessible to all. I was totally dependent on my family or other sighted friends to read out text books for me or to record an audio cassette. Thanks to talking libraries which were specially meant for us and the volunteers gave their services to record books for us. And many a times I was to satisfy only reading very short notes instead of text books as it took long time to arrive due to high demand. When I got my first computer at a subsidised rate during my MA course, it was a blessing. It minimised my dependency on books as I could access them online and study at my own pace. Apart from studies, I could also use it for online shopping, digital banking etc. The smart phones came very handy for people like us. Though it took a long time to get used to the touch and tap method with the assistance of screen reader/talk back software. As smartphones can be loaded with various apps, we could do multiple things like reading or listening to books, shopping, GPS for navigation, booking taxis, look for companionship, ordering food & other services online, chat with friends and family etc. The list is unlimited.

There are many apps, which designed especially for people with visually impairment according to our requirement. The apps like “Invision AI” and ”KIBO”  enable us to read through print material or hand written material by just clicking a picture of them but the challenge is to click the photo accurately. There are apps like ”MANI” which recognises the currency if shown to the camera.

Think of a scenario where, you have an ATM card and unable to operate it yourself without the help of a sighted person, oftentimes this person would be a stranger. Back in the time it was the case for us and oh how I desired to operate an ATM myself. There was one of my friends who would operate ATM just by remembering the steps to operate and without any instructions. I tried to do that but sometimes I would fail to understand if the ATM gives a different message. Another thing that used to hurt me that the banks refusing to give us any debit or credit cards for security purpose as we were unable to operate them independently. Despite being educated, we felt helpless as we were unable to access these important services needed for our self-reliance. There was inequality somewhere. However, the situation has improved now, and banks provide us cards at our own risk.

Two to three years ago, we got talking software installed in  the ATM at our banks where I worked. It was great joy and pride for me to operate my card using this ATM without requiring any support from others. I could also switch off the screen to avoid others from stealing my information. However, this facility was not available to all the VIs as such ATM’s were not installed in all locations. My great wish is that all the ATMs should be provided with this facility where a sited person can carry on his transactions without interruption of this software as it gets activated only on insertion of earphone in the port. If this is done, then we visually impaired people feel as secure and independent in doing the transactions like any sited person without having to compromise the passwords etc. to anybody even to our family members.

There was a time when VIs were given jobs, but hardly were meaningfully engaged. Now with the technology advancement, VI person can accomplish at par with any other person.

Looking back at my own journey and that of so many like me I can only feel gratitude for all the individuals and inventors for empowering us through their inventions. It has broadened our opportunities and improved the quality of our life and made us independent and confident beyond imagination.