Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Project help (self.Blind)
submitted by Archimago132
I want to know what our some of the most serious problems blind people still face in their day to day life which technology has either not been able to solve or existing solutions are not enough
KillerLag 6 points 6y ago
While there are still a number of difficulties those with vision loss have, the major issues I find is the cost of the technology or how useable it is for the aging population.
One major issue I find isn't to do with blindness itself, but with comorbidity (two or more conditions at once). For example, I was working with a person with enough vision loss they couldn't see a street drop-off... except they were also partially paralyzed (right side) and in a wheelchair. With only one usable hand, they couldn't use a cane and drive their wheelchair.
Another issue that comes up often is vision loss with memory loss. It's pretty hard for someone to learn new skills or new technology when they don't recall who you are or what you did last lesson. :(
One major issue I find isn't to do with blindness itself, but with comorbidity (two or more conditions at once). For example, I was working with a person with enough vision loss they couldn't see a street drop-off... except they were also partially paralyzed (right side) and in a wheelchair. With only one usable hand, they couldn't use a cane and drive their wheelchair.
Another issue that comes up often is vision loss with memory loss. It's pretty hard for someone to learn new skills or new technology when they don't recall who you are or what you did last lesson. :(
Archimago132 [OP] 1 points 6y ago
Ah okay thanks for your input. If you find more or feel there is someone who could add to this and ask him to comment here it would be great. Thanks again :))
KillerLag 1 points 6y ago
No problems. Comorbidity is very tricky, because there are so many possible health issues that can also come up.
Actually, I did think of one serious issue that I have not yet ever seen a reasonably good solution to (at least here in Canada). Diabetes is one of the larger causes of vision loss, but diabetes also causes other health issues over time, such as neuropathy. Using the lancet to draw blood isn't too difficult, but lining up a diabetic test strip in the proper spot to take the correct amount of blood has been very difficult for many, especially if they have neuropathy and can't feel. I know there are blood glucose monitors that read off the numbers, but I have never seen anything to help with proper blood placement.
Just for reference, how bad some people's neuropathy can get..... I once saw a client who had spilled hot soup onto his foot. It was so hot, it burned the skin. The accident was 2-3 days prior, and he didn't feel any pain. When I saw him, I had to get a few of my coworkers (and my boss) to help me convince him to go to the hospital, but he kept refusing because he didn't feel any pain. :( I never found out what happened, but he would be lucky if he didn't lose his foot.
Actually, I did think of one serious issue that I have not yet ever seen a reasonably good solution to (at least here in Canada). Diabetes is one of the larger causes of vision loss, but diabetes also causes other health issues over time, such as neuropathy. Using the lancet to draw blood isn't too difficult, but lining up a diabetic test strip in the proper spot to take the correct amount of blood has been very difficult for many, especially if they have neuropathy and can't feel. I know there are blood glucose monitors that read off the numbers, but I have never seen anything to help with proper blood placement.
Just for reference, how bad some people's neuropathy can get..... I once saw a client who had spilled hot soup onto his foot. It was so hot, it burned the skin. The accident was 2-3 days prior, and he didn't feel any pain. When I saw him, I had to get a few of my coworkers (and my boss) to help me convince him to go to the hospital, but he kept refusing because he didn't feel any pain. :( I never found out what happened, but he would be lucky if he didn't lose his foot.
Archimago132 [OP] 1 points 6y ago
Omg that's really serious. And your right, Comorbidity is also a part of my project and am trying to make it mostly hands free so that other disabled can use it as well
HailDaHailu 2 points 6y ago
See the $1 - the technology is there, but companies aren't using it in their self-service products.
Archimago132 [OP] 2 points 6y ago
Thanks for the link. If you find more or have any ideas please let me know. Thanks again :))
Silverottawa 1 points 6y ago
Driving, those poles/cars are always jumping in my way!
Archimago132 [OP] 1 points 6y ago
Sorry but could you elaborate?
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