Apps specifically designed for the blind and the visually impaired is such a blessing. It has opened up a whole new world for them and is now able to see and experience the world through it. Even with impaired eyesight or loss of vision, they can virtually see color, light, food menus and so much more with these well-thought apps. They are not only fun and entertaining, but they are able to assist with everyday tasks, therefore increasing their independence.
Chime
The Chime app provides unique chimes on the hour, half-hour, or quarter-hour. There is also a selection of different tones, from the human voice to a simple beep, musical chords, or Roman numotones. It is simple and easy to use, especially for the blind and visually impaired.
Blind Navigator
The Blind Navigator is specially designed for a blind person. It can read the contacts list, dial numbers by hearing the IVR voice, and reads the messages and composes them through voice, and sends it to the recipient. Through the IVR voice, it sets alarm dates, can perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The app can also identify colors by the voice in front and more other features.
SayText
To use the SayText app, simply put the iPhone in the middle of the page that wants to be scanned. Slowly raise the iPhone until a beep is heard.
The app will recognize the text in the document and create an electronic text document. The text document can now be read using VoiceOver.
Text Detective
Text Detective can read the texts from the camera in the phone or tablet in a matter of seconds. Just point the camera as it sorts through the mail, menus, cards, product packages, medication labels, and other things with print on it that needs to be read.
The text can easily be read, edited, copied, and pasted into documents, emails, and other apps. It can even store messages for future references. The app can be used anytime and anywhere you go, without the need to connect to the internet.
TapTapSee
This app assists the blind and the visually impaired with identifying objects they encounter every day. By double-tapping the screen, the app takes a photo of anything at any angle and listens to it to identify the object for you. This app promotes independence among the blind and those with poor vision to go about their daily routines.
Ariadne GPS
Ariadne GPS is not just another GPS app, but a talking map, which can help blind people explore their surroundings. The app lets the person know their position, and get information about the street, number, and other details when VoiceOver is activated on the phone. It also has other features and is an advantage when riding on public transportation. Just add certain points to the app database and it will alarm once the destination is near.
BARD Mobile
The BARD Mobile app gives the blind and the physically handicapped access to braille and talking books from the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download.
The app contains about 70,000 books, magazines, and even music scores in both audio and braille formats too.
Stitcher Radio
The Stitcher Radio app allows listening to news, comedy, sports, talk radio shows, and podcasts from reputable news sources like CNN, ESPN, and more. It also offers new and interesting shows every time. It even allows customization of favorite shows in a playlist that will create customized stations. The app also offers the latest on current events through audio alerts.
Fleksy-happy Typing
The Fleksy-happy Typing app is a customizable way of typing made fun by powerful extensions like GIFS, invisible Keyboards and Rainbow Key Pops, and pretty themes. It possesses the fastest keyboard with a modern auto-correct and gesture control feature that helps you type without even looking. The blind and visually impaired uses this app solely for its eyes-free typing through muscle memory.
VisionSim
VisionSim is an app that lets people with healthy visions see and experience the world of those who have degenerative diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy among others. The app uses the iPhone with its digital filters, which imitates the selected eye condition. The app also provides information on each eye condition, its treatment, symptoms, and causes, in detail. These are important information for the visually impaired to be able to manage their conditions well. It is also essential for those who have healthy eyesight to better understand the visually handicapped.
Apps have definitely made life easier and so much more interesting for them. It has helped them get back their vision and improved their communication, through a whole new medium. Hopefully, more apps will be created to give them the life that has been stolen from them.
