We are living in a rapidly evolving technological era, and as with many areas of life, technological advancement will pave the way for what access consultants recommend for inclusion within the built environment. This includes recommendations to enhance the daily experiences and maximise the lifestyles of people who are blind or have vision impairment.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 253 million people live with visual impairment globally, a number that continues to rise as the population ages. In Australia, there are over 575,000 people who are blind or vision impaired, with more than 70% over the age of 65.
Current and future assistive technologies have been developed for the marketplace to enhance the lifestyle of a person who is blind or vision impaired to allow them to fully participate in the workplace and the social environment.
In Australia, the only Deemed to Satisfy (DtS) requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC) for people who are blind or have vision impairment are the following:
- D3.6 Signage
- D3.8 Tactile indicators
- D3.12 Glazing on an accessway
Future amendments to the NCC may include additional DtS requirements related to part D3 Access for people with a disability.
Advancements in technology for the blind and vision impaired are progressing rapidly to improve accessibility and remove persistent barriers. Numerous technological advancements can help create a seamless built environment, ensuring these individuals have equal opportunity to interact with the community.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Accessibility
Numerous apps have been developed to assist people who are blind or experience vision impairment. Many of these apps provide audio descriptions and can scan a barcode to tell the user what the product is – some are even capable of reading a handwritten note. The app can also use a user’s smartphone camera to describe the image to the person.
3D Sound Maps
Microsoft’s Soundscape is another product that can replicate the behaviour of a sighted person when walking along a footpath. Soundscape replicates a sighted person’s behaviour by building a detailed audio map to relate what is taking place around a person who is blind or vision impaired.
The system works by creating layers of both context and detail, drawing on the following:
- Location data
- Sound beacons
- Synthesised 3D stereo sound, which creates a constantly updating sound map of the surrounding area.
Knowledge at Your Fingertips
Braille has been around for nearly 200 years. Traditionally, it was a tactile way of reading with fingertips, but it has now advanced from page to screen through the implementation of a narrator. For example, Microsoft screen reader technology for Windows enhances digital braille for displays and keyboards. The braille touchscreens typically work the same way as tablets and have already proven popular among teachers and students.
Other new assistive technology innovations in this area include the BraiBook, a braille e-reader that fits into the palm of a hand, and an electronic toy called the BrailleBuzz, which is designed to teach braille to pre-schoolers.
Beacons of Change
Bluetooth beacons act like highly precise, personalised guides for people who are blind or vision impaired. Using basic GPS technology, these beacons can take users to public buildings, restaurants and shops and guide them to the building's entrance. In addition to the entrance beacon, additional beacons are installed within the building to direct users to other key facilities, such as information desks and restrooms.
Electric Vehicles
The European Union has introduced new legislation that requires all new electric vehicles to have an audible device fitted. The device is activated when the vehicle is at low speed or when reversing to warn of imminent danger. There’s even talk of an adapted smart car, which could be another game changer for people who are blind or vision impaired.
Smart Glasses
Researchers are currently working on smart glasses that can use artificial intelligence (AI) to read and provide navigation information and potentially identify faces. The glasses are connected to a smartphone through a processing unit, which allows the system to function without an internet connection. These smart glasses are still in the early stages of development but are said to work with a reading accuracy rate of up to 95%.
A Brighter Future for the People Who Are Blind or Vision Impaired
Undoubtedly, global technological advancements will provide greater benefits for the blind and vision impaired. By maximising ease of living, those who experience a vision impairment can enjoy a more joyful and fulfilling life, assuming the technology will be accessible and affordable to all. Technological advancements have made this an exciting era, with the promise of future developments to come.