Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Assistive Mobile/Web Application Thoughts (self.Blind)
submitted 8y ago by ducttapelarry
Hey folks,
I'm a sighted application and web developer who's interested in exploring if there are any gaping holes out there in regards to applications that would really help folks with vision issues.
I've seen "Be My Eyes" and a few text enlarging applications out there, but I'm just starting my search. What do you currently use that is helpful? Do you have any suggestions for technology that doesn't seem to be out there yet? Have you ever found yourself thinking "Wouldn't that be great if..."?
Anyways, I hope this post isn't out of place here. My business partner and I have prototyped a pair of glasses that can give an audio or vibration feedback depending on how far objects are from a person's face, and it inspired us to take a closer look at what the needs might be in this avenue.
I've been a web developer for years, and my dream is to bring something to market that uses technology to really help someone.
Thanks for your time!
I'm a sighted application and web developer who's interested in exploring if there are any gaping holes out there in regards to applications that would really help folks with vision issues.
I've seen "Be My Eyes" and a few text enlarging applications out there, but I'm just starting my search. What do you currently use that is helpful? Do you have any suggestions for technology that doesn't seem to be out there yet? Have you ever found yourself thinking "Wouldn't that be great if..."?
Anyways, I hope this post isn't out of place here. My business partner and I have prototyped a pair of glasses that can give an audio or vibration feedback depending on how far objects are from a person's face, and it inspired us to take a closer look at what the needs might be in this avenue.
I've been a web developer for years, and my dream is to bring something to market that uses technology to really help someone.
Thanks for your time!
Unuhi 1 points
I have some usable sight in certain light conditions.
I initially wanted to use BeMyEyes to help the others - but end up needing it more myself.
I get lost all the time. Today I installed Blindsquare.
Letʻs see... Apps that wouls be great?
I have a lot of cool apps on iOS and Mac. Windows side is a mystery to me currently.
Iʻd love some
- audiogames - arcade, adventure, classics, Japanese games etc
- flight simulators
- music making apps that work without seeing the screen or using a mouse
- that generally everything would work without flash. Sorry: no flash
- language learning apps that focus on audio and would allow braille screen input/output
- perkins or 6-dot input braillers for a Windows tablet/phone/touchscreen as a learning tool AND actual input method
- small pocket size affordable perkins keyboard for iOS would really rule
I initially wanted to use BeMyEyes to help the others - but end up needing it more myself.
I get lost all the time. Today I installed Blindsquare.
Letʻs see... Apps that wouls be great?
I have a lot of cool apps on iOS and Mac. Windows side is a mystery to me currently.
Iʻd love some
- audiogames - arcade, adventure, classics, Japanese games etc
- flight simulators
- music making apps that work without seeing the screen or using a mouse
- that generally everything would work without flash. Sorry: no flash
- language learning apps that focus on audio and would allow braille screen input/output
- perkins or 6-dot input braillers for a Windows tablet/phone/touchscreen as a learning tool AND actual input method
- small pocket size affordable perkins keyboard for iOS would really rule
ducttapelarry [OP] 1 points
Thanks Unuhi!
I didn't even think of games! Audio has such richness and depth to it that it could really be a great media through which games could be played.
And... A flight simulator!?? awesome! How are you imagining that would work? Would there be voice readouts? The sound of the engines and the wind?? Would it be best to include a high contrast version of the game for display while it's being played?? I'm going to look into the perkins keyboard setup to understand more about how that peripheral works.
Thanks again!
I didn't even think of games! Audio has such richness and depth to it that it could really be a great media through which games could be played.
And... A flight simulator!?? awesome! How are you imagining that would work? Would there be voice readouts? The sound of the engines and the wind?? Would it be best to include a high contrast version of the game for display while it's being played?? I'm going to look into the perkins keyboard setup to understand more about how that peripheral works.
Thanks again!
Unuhi 1 points
Iʻm imagining a regular flupight simulator on some kind of Mac or Windows.
Just figure out how it works - with keyboard or joystick type of controller. Then figure from the sound where you are or how youʻre flying.
Just figure out how it works - with keyboard or joystick type of controller. Then figure from the sound where you are or how youʻre flying.
mark5bald 1 points
"I've been a web developer for years, and my dream is to bring something to market that uses technology to really help someone."
Awesome. That is a great first step! Empowerment is a noble pursuit. It is always exciting to hear from developers who are looking for greater meaning in the code they write.
You may find that your inquiries in this forum receive responses that don't quite match your expectations...but don't let that discourage you! If you spend a little time perusing the submission history for this subreddit over the last 6 months or so you will find a lot of similar posts. The information that you pull from previous posts will undoubtedly be useful, however, I would encourage you to look beyond just r/Blind.
A few searches should reveal at least one or two non-profit organizations that provide blind and low vision computer training services in your area. I highly recommend reaching out to those organizations and spending some time volunteering within the community. I guarantee you will be flooded with ideas from day one just by seeing things first hand. For that matter, download NVDA and try shopping for a bar of soap on Amazon using only your keyboard and ears. For all the good that has been done (e.g., 508, WIA, ARIA) over the last 15 years, the web and software in general are still a mess for individuals dependent on screen reader and screen magnification software. The field needs more people like you!
I am sighted. I had a similar entry into the field a number of years ago. With no disrespect to you and your partner, I have come to look at the proximity/vibration (ultrasonic sensor and vibration motor, right?) stuff as a kind of gateway project that leads to a deeper respect and understanding of the assistive technology space. I'll never forget working up the documentation for my 'tactile hat' in a coffee shop. I looked up to see a blind man in walking lock-step with sighted pedestrians down the sidewalk and crossing an intersection using only his white cane as a guide. I quickly realized that my fancy gadget would have only slowed him down. The point is, this space is complex and requires a devotion and commitment to understand the needs of the population. Find a real world community, engage and learn. You won't be disappointed.
Awesome. That is a great first step! Empowerment is a noble pursuit. It is always exciting to hear from developers who are looking for greater meaning in the code they write.
You may find that your inquiries in this forum receive responses that don't quite match your expectations...but don't let that discourage you! If you spend a little time perusing the submission history for this subreddit over the last 6 months or so you will find a lot of similar posts. The information that you pull from previous posts will undoubtedly be useful, however, I would encourage you to look beyond just r/Blind.
A few searches should reveal at least one or two non-profit organizations that provide blind and low vision computer training services in your area. I highly recommend reaching out to those organizations and spending some time volunteering within the community. I guarantee you will be flooded with ideas from day one just by seeing things first hand. For that matter, download NVDA and try shopping for a bar of soap on Amazon using only your keyboard and ears. For all the good that has been done (e.g., 508, WIA, ARIA) over the last 15 years, the web and software in general are still a mess for individuals dependent on screen reader and screen magnification software. The field needs more people like you!
I am sighted. I had a similar entry into the field a number of years ago. With no disrespect to you and your partner, I have come to look at the proximity/vibration (ultrasonic sensor and vibration motor, right?) stuff as a kind of gateway project that leads to a deeper respect and understanding of the assistive technology space. I'll never forget working up the documentation for my 'tactile hat' in a coffee shop. I looked up to see a blind man in walking lock-step with sighted pedestrians down the sidewalk and crossing an intersection using only his white cane as a guide. I quickly realized that my fancy gadget would have only slowed him down. The point is, this space is complex and requires a devotion and commitment to understand the needs of the population. Find a real world community, engage and learn. You won't be disappointed.
ducttapelarry [OP] 1 points
Mark, this is a spectacular response and exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping to get. I'm going to follow your advice and reach out to those groups. You totally nailed the basis for our little rig, and I see what you mean by it just getting in the way. I'll happily count that as our initiation, and keep moving forward!
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