Empowering the visually impaired with simple technology

Visually impaired people cope remarkably well – thanks to canes, guide-dogs, Braille, audio descriptions, smartphones and the kindness of strangers. But sometimes a little extra help goes a long way, especially with everyday things like reading labels on food to determine use-by dates.

I have this challenge

the problem

Allowing a blind person to ask a question of a sighted volunteer by video-call, could further empower the visually impaired. Say a blind person wants to know what’s written on the side can while shopping so you get all the ingredients for a recipe, you could video chat with a volunteer ready to read labels and go over options.

financial insights

Be My Eyes has received backing from the Danish Blind Society, the Velux Foundations and software development studio Robocat.

ideas

Be My Eyes is the brainchild of Hans Jørgen Wiberg, who is himself visually impaired. Through his work at the Danish Blind Society, he recognized a need for an application to help blind people with small daily tasks.

attributions

Emily Nelson

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-nelson-bbaba7183/

https://www.socialtech.org.uk/projects/be-my-eyes/

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