Digital Eye: The Role of Technology in the Life of the Blind and the Visually Impaired

Abstract

It would have been unthinkable 30 years ago that cell phone would read, print documents and describe things to the blind.  Today’s technology not only makes life easier for everyone, but it allows the visually impaired to do numerous things such as write documents, browse the internet and send and receive emails. Screen Reading software and special talking and Braille devices allow those with no vision to use computers, cell phones and other electronic devices independently.  Similarly, people with low vision can use screen magnification software and devices that will allow them to see letters, pictures and other objects without having to struggle or strain their remaining vision. It is now an established fact that, with proper training and opportunity, the average blind person can do the average job in the average place of business, and do it as well as his sighted neighbor. The skills of independent mobility, communication, and the activities of daily living are known, available, and acquirable. When an individual becomes blind, he faces two major problems: First, he must learn the skills and techniques which will enable him to carry on as a normal, productive citizen; and second, he must become aware of and learn to cope with public attitudes and misconceptions about blindness.    These attitudes and misconceptions go to the very roots of our culture and permeate every aspect of social behavior and thinking.  The first of these problems is far easier to solve and that is the focus of this paper.