10 Best Apps for the Blind & Visually Impaired People
Android applications can be a boon for many, including those who are visually impaired. Some apps are specifically designed to help blind individuals live more independently and confidently.
These applications leverage smartphone technology effectively. For instance, one app identifies the denomination of dollar currency using the phone's camera.
The camera captures the currency, processes the information, and converts it into audio output. This allows visually impaired users to easily ascertain the value of the money they are handling.
Additionally, several apps incorporate GPS functionality to aid navigation for the blind. These apps can vocalize directions and describe the surroundings, making them invaluable companions for visually impaired users on the move.
In this context, we at Carisinyal will introduce several Android apps that significantly enhance accessibility for the visually impaired. Here are the details of these transformative apps:
1. Be My Eyes
This award-winning app offers a notable accessibility experience and has received accolades like the Google Play Awards. 'Be My Eyes' connects visually impaired users with volunteers via voice or video calls.
During these calls, volunteers can view the user’s environment through the video feed and provide guidance audibly. This app is particularly helpful for helping with daily tasks such as navigating new locations, cooking, and more. Download Be My Eyes here.
2. Lazarillo GPS for Blind
Lazarillo is a GPS-based navigation aid designed for the visually impaired. It provides voice notifications about nearby places and intersections, enhancing spatial awareness for users.
The app operates in the background, allowing users to use other relevant apps simultaneously. However, users should note that continuous GPS use may deplete the phone's battery quickly. Download the app now here.
3. Supersense
Supersense offers valuable assistance to the visually impaired with its scanner feature. This feature identifies and vocalizes the positions of various objects like chairs, trash bins, beds, and clothes through the phone's camera.
Additionally, Supersense can read out important documents to visually impaired users. Simply upload the document to the app, and it will automatically read it aloud. Download the Supersense app here.
4. Sullivan+
Sullivan+ is designed to enhance independence for visually impaired users with multiple functionalities. It enables object identification, color selection for clothes, and document reading through text recognition.
The app also features facial recognition to inform users about people nearby and includes a light sensor to help locate light switches. This multifaceted tool is available for free. Download Sullivan+ here.
5. Lookout by Google
Google's Lookout app is tailored to support visually impaired and blind individuals in their daily activities. It offers several modes that assist in reading texts, sorting mail, and identifying banknotes using the camera.
Additionally, a food identification mode is available, so users can scan and identify food items via barcode labels on packaging. Enhance your daily life with the versatility of Lookout. Download the Lookout app here.
7. Cash Reader
Cash Reader is designed to assist visually impaired individuals in identifying currency denominations. Simply open the app and position the camera over the currency to be scanned.
The app audibly announces the denomination and also displays it in large print on the screen. If your phone is on silent mode, the app communicates the scanned amount through vibrations instead.
Cash Reader is versatile, as it supports various currencies including Rupiah, Rupees, US Dollars, Pesos, and more. Download Cash Reader here.
8. MyEyes
MyEyes enables users to recognize objects and read text through its text recognition feature. It also includes face detection, which helps users identify people around them, including their gender.
The app extends its capabilities to detecting objects in photos and recognizing colors. MyEyes is a comprehensive tool available for free. Download the MyEyes app here.
9. Kibo
Kibo offers functionality for both blind and nearsighted users, facilitating the recognition of nearby objects. The app includes features for object detection, voice-assisted text reading in multiple languages, and audio book reading, enhancing accessibility for daily tasks.
Explore these features and more by downloading Kibo. Try the app by downloading it through this link.
10. Ayobaca.in
Ayobaca.in is a digital reading app designed for our visually impaired friends. This app allows you to record yourself reading books aloud, creating audio versions that can be enjoyed by those who have difficulty seeing.
The app makes it possible for more people to discover and enjoy the stories and knowledge that books offer.
By volunteering as a reader on Ayobaca.in, you're also helping individuals with visual impairments access and enjoy books. You can download the Ayobaca.in app here.
We hope that as technology continues to advance, more apps like this will be developed to significantly improve the lives of people with special needs.