According to the World Health Organization, nearly 217 million people are blind, as per the 2018 data, and there exists a tremendous potential to increase their quality of life through the ever-developing landscape within assistive technology for the visually impaired. Assistive technology for the blind may be defined as any device or aid that increases the functionality of people with disabilities.
It can broadly be classified into two categories: high-tech and low-tech. Smart canes, smart glasses, assistive software and electronic mobility aids can be used as assistive technology for the visually impaired. Meanwhile, low tech includes regular canes and guide dogs, which can be used as assistive technology for the deafblind.
Traditionally, the long white cane has been the most widely used mobility aid for blind people around the world, mainly due to its ease of use and cost. It is generally regarded as the gold standard for assistive technology for the deafblind. It comprises three main parts, namely the grip, shaft and tip. The grip primarily relays tactile information to the user, while the tip serves as a source of auditory input to detect obstacles by either rolling or tapping from side to side as one walks. The entire length of this cane extends from the floor to the sternum. Meanwhile, symbol canes are for people with low but useful vision and are typically smaller than the standard long cane, which makes them more useful in busy locations. The user holds it in front of them to let others know that they are partially blind. Guide canes, on the other hand, are shorter and used for detecting immediate obstacles. They are held diagonally across the body, with it being most useful in finding curves or steps. These simple canes typically range in cost from €10 – €2,000.
Smart canes are a recent development and were originally invented as an addition of a sensor system for the common blind cane to enhance and increase the range of detection. Over the years, many iterations have been released as sensor hardware like laser, ultrasonic sensors and LIDAR, have become lighter and cheaper. Currently, a variety of assistive technology for blind people exists, and the adoption of the right technology depends on many factors, such as availability, costs and the degree of impairment of an individual. People can buy one from anywhere between €55 – €2,000.
While smart canes are advancing at a rapid pace, there are many limitations that still prohibit their extended use. Battery capacity and connectivity, along with extreme weather conditions, affect sensor capabilities and are some major considerations that need factoring in. As technology improves, intuitiveness and the ease of use of smart canes will be driving factors in its widespread adoption.
The use of guide dogs has been prevalent for decades, where highly trained dogs accompany the visually impaired in their daily lives and maneuver them around obstacles. Due to their gentle temperament, size and overall good health, Labradors are the preferred breed. However, Golden retrievers, German shepherds and Poodles are also gaining rapid popularity.
These guide dogs are often required to undergo intensive training in establishments, where they are taught self-control under adverse situations and expected to navigate obstacles while guiding the person they accompany to safety. These trained companions must deliver intelligent disobedience to protect their own when faced with situations that might endanger the person they are with. The costs involved in training one dog range from approximately €35,000 to €55,000, and they typically have a working life of 6-8 years.
A major concern is that dogs are inherently red-green color blind and cannot interpret street signs, and in the past, this has led to major financial losses for guide dog organizations. However, when fully trained, guide dogs are known to create a loving bond between them and the person they accompany, which helps boost the blind person’s confidence and increases their sense of independence when venturing outside. It has also been observed that the use of guide dogs leads to increased interactions in social settings.
Screen readers and text-to-speech software like the ones pre-installed in some computers and smartphones convert text into an auditory output, and vice versa. These smartphones and computers can particularly be classified as assistive devices for blind students. These assistive devices for blind students are useful in schools and colleges, as they help them read e-books or articles on the internet and draft documents. These functionalities are usually provided as free features by the manufacturer, however paid versions also exist. The drawbacks include limitations while accessing multimedia content, the cognitive burden and sequential navigation.
More recently, with the advent of smart glasses, there is renewed optimism around assistive technology for the blind, as they can help the blind lead more
productive lives. Smart glasses are advanced wearable devices resembling traditional eyeglasses, which incorporate a combination of cameras, sensors and display technology. Smart glasses can connect wirelessly to smartphones and computers to fetch data and control applications remotely, thus significantly reducing barriers to communication and digital interactions. They also provide audio cues to navigate unfamiliar surroundings safely and independently. They represent a significant advancement in assistive technology and offer a lot of promise to improve their quality of life.
However, they do come with a unique set of challenges, like being bulky, and can cause head and neck fatigue with extended use, which is why they cannot be considered for use as assistive technology for a child. Further disadvantages include the use of cameras and recording equipment installed in these smart glasses, which can lead to discomfort in social interactions and privacy issues among peers. Limited battery life can be a major drawback for users who rely on them throughout the day for assistance and communication.
To some, their high cost and steep learning curve make them less attractive as well. Currently, their costs range from € 1,000 – € 4,000. However, as this technology advances and becomes more integrated into everyday life, these smart devices have immense potential to become widely regarded as the leading assistive technology for a child and increase their quality of life drastically.
7sense is developing the most advanced telehaptic sight technology, which allows users to feel the surrounding environmenth through the sense of touch. SuperBrain 1 creates extreme resolution haptic space – essentially creating situational awerness of surrounding objects, motion, speed and distance.
| Name | Pricing | Key Features |
| Guide Dog | €35,000 – €55,000 | Highly trained dogs · Can react appropriately to a lot of adverse situations |
| Simple Cane | €10 – €2,000 | Gold standard for blind people · Provides instant tactile and auditory feedback |
| Assistive Software like screen readers and TTS software | €0 – €15,000 | Promotes learning for blind students by facilitating reading and writing |
| Smart Cane | €55 – €2,000 | Increased range of detection · Enhanced detection and object recognition for improved maneuverability |
| Smart Glasses | €1,000 – €9,000 | Increases the ability of the blind to navigate with confidence. Improved communication and interactions for blind people |