Visually Impaired people need aids to survive / ibvi.org

Visual impairment is a significant global issue affecting millions of people across the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 2.2 billion people have some form of visual impairment, and at least 1 billion of these cases could have been prevented or have yet to be addressed.

Visual impairment ranges from mild to severe and includes conditions such as partial sight, low vision, and complete blindness. The impact of visual impairment extends beyond individual health, affecting education, employment, and overall quality of life.

The economic burden of visual impairment is substantial. It includes the costs of healthcare, assistive devices, and the economic loss from reduced productivity. Moreover, the social implications are profound, as visually impaired individuals often face challenges in accessing education, participating in the workforce, and integrating into society. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including preventive care, education, and innovative assistive technologies. 

VOSAP (Voice of Specially Abled People) is one of the world’s leading organizations dedicated to empowering visually impaired individuals with safe mobility, learning, earning, transacting, navigating, and a lot more with highly subsidized devices ranging from smartphones, and smart wallets to high-end reading and translating devices. This range of innovative devices is designed to enhance the lives of those with visual impairments. Here are some of the key products subsidized, and funded by VOSAP.

1. Braille Orbit 20

The Braille Orbit 20 is an advanced refreshable Braille display that allows visually impaired individuals to read and write in Braille. This compact and portable device helps users access digital content integrated into computers and smartphones and connected by wifi and Bluetooth, enhancing their ability to learn and communicate.

Braille Orbit / VOSAP

2. Smartphone Education

VOSAP promotes the use of smartphones as educational tools for the visually impaired. Through specialized apps and accessibility features, smartphones can provide access to a wealth of information and resources.

They offer audiobooks, educational materials, and real-time communication, breaking down barriers to learning and social interaction. Thousands of school students so far have accelerated their learning with VOSAP-donated smartphones which has inspired them to become engineers, architects, builders, historians, and university rankers!

Smartphone education / VOSAP

3. KIBO App and Devices

The KIBO app and device enable visually impaired individuals to read various types of printed materials. By scanning text, KIBO converts it into audio, and translates 60+ language content with the highest level of accuracy with patented OCR, allowing users to access books, newspapers, and other printed content. This innovative solution is a gateway to knowledge and information for VOSAP beneficiaries who have been now IAS, class C jobs in government, legal work, and even aspiring to prepare for IFS (Indian Foreign Services) in the remote state of Arunachal Pradesh.

KIBO Device / VOSAP

4. Smart Cane

The smart cane is a revolutionary tool that assists visually impaired individuals in navigating safely. Equipped with sensors and GPS technology, the smart cane detects obstacles and provides real-time feedback, helping users move confidently and safely in their surroundings.

Smart Cane / VOSAP

5.    Smart Glasses

VOSAP supports two companies that produce advanced, AI-based software-supported smart glasses for the visually impaired. These glasses offer various functionalities, including object detection, reading printed text, recognizing faces, and navigating environments. The latest products in this category incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance user experience.

Smart Glasses / VOSAP

6.    Smart Wallet

The smart wallet is a unique device designed to assist visually impaired individuals in identifying currency. It can distinguish between different denominations and even detect counterfeit notes, ensuring secure financial transactions and preventing fraud. Within 3 months of launch, over 1,000 blind people applied online at www.voiceofsap.org/applydevices

Smart Cash / VOSAP

These interventions not only provide practical solutions to overcome daily challenges but also empower visually impaired individuals to lead independent and fulfilling lives. VOSAP's commitment to supporting innovative technologies and promoting inclusivity is helping to bridge the gap for millions of people in India and we can help them in the US too!

In the next set of articles, we will delve deeper into these groundbreaking innovations, exploring how each one works and how VOSAP's support has been instrumental in making these technologies accessible to those who need them most. Stay tuned to learn more about how cutting-edge advancements are transforming the lives of the visually impaired!

The author is the founder of  Voice of SAP (www.voiceofsap.org), an organization working in the disability sector and in a Special Consultative Status with UN Economic and Social Council.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)