SeeSaw Club

On June 15, 2024, I had the unique opportunity to assist a blind lawyer in training individuals to become translators. Initially, it seemed like a straightforward task, but I soon realized there was much more to it. Despite her blindness, the lawyer exuded confidence and displayed an impressive ability to guide others. Her determination and skill were truly inspiring. This lawyer, undeterred by her disability, had dedicated herself to helping others achieve their goals of becoming translators. Her expertise was evident as she skillfully used a Braille keyboard to teach her students. She navigated the lesson with ease, demonstrating that physical limitations do not define one's capabilities. The experience was a testament to her strength and perseverance. Throughout the two-hour session, I was profoundly touched by her dedication and the positive impact she had on her students. Watching her teach, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of admiration. She couldn't see the word...

  Barbie has always been a cherished toy and icon among children, and recently its company, Mattel, has delved into the creation of more diverse toys to promote inclusivity. A notable milestone occurred on July 25, 2024, when Mattel created the first ever Barbie doll to have a visual impairment.  The doll's packaging has the word 'Barbie' written in braille and comes with a white cane to fully raise awareness of the visually impaired's daily lives.  Additionally, the maker of the doll has meticulously tested the doll with low-vision children to ensure an appropriate design for an enjoyable play experience for them. Lucy Edwards, a disability activist who suffers from visual impairment herself, has been invited for the promotion of this new Barbie doll. During her interview with BBC, she explained,  "I was embarrassed by my cane, but seeing Barbie with a cane would have made me feel differently about mine and helped me feel less alone in accepting and embracing my b...

The development of smart glasses for macular disease by OXSIGHT represents a major breakthrough in assistive technology, specifically designed to aid individuals with macular degeneration and other central vision loss conditions. These glasses, known as OXSIGHT Onyx, use advanced camera technology to capture images and display them on bright, color-rich screens right before the user’s eyes. This allows users to magnify images up to eight times, enhancing their ability to read, recognize faces, and identify objects, which are typically challenging tasks for those with macular disease. In a study involving 122 participants from three countries, the glasses significantly improved reading ability for 86% of users and enhanced facial and object recognition for about 75% of participants​ ​. These results are particularly beneficial for those with the lowest levels of visual acuity, offering a lightweight, user-friendly, and affordable solution. Users like Nathan Tree, a visually impaired GB...

The Dot Pad uses artificial intelligence (A.I.) to analyze and separate photos. These portions are then displayed on a tactile screen, allowing blind persons to read and interact with them. Users can access over 2.2 million apps, ranging from shows to comic books. For the first time, visually challenged people can now access anything on the internet. You can zoom, tilt, and rotate photos on the tactile display, just like you would on a regular tablet, to see what's there. . Tablets represent a shift toward a more connected and integrated digital existence today.  Tablets, with their wide app selection and internet connectivity, make visually impared to live like the norm. The tablets highlight the importance in bridging the gap between casual and professional use, responding to a diverse range of user demands and preferences in an increasingly digital society. For example, Holly, a blind blogger from "Life of a Blind Girl," discusses how she uses accessibility capabilitie...

The terminal at Guernsey Airport has been modified to make it more accessible for those who are blind or visually impaired. Guernsey Blind Association to suggest possible modifications, according to Guernsey Ports. Changes were recommended for the color of the seating and the addition of color edging to provide contrast around white surfaces. The Guernsey Blind Association expressed its anticipation that travelers would notice a significant improvement from the minor adjustments. "Reduce Stress" "There wasn't mush contrast between the walls, entrances, and doors, which can be so disorienting," the association's Chantelle Tucker stated.We tell individuals that all it takes are sensible, tiny improvements that have a significant impact. "The feedback we've had thus far is excellent. It takes away the worry and tension that some individuals experience when they fly." Guernsey Ports resident Mel Mechem stated that it was critical to improve the vis...

Apple's Vision Pro app is revolutionizing technology for the visually impaired, showcasing the company's dedication to inclusivity. Picture a world where those who can't see can visualize their surroundings through touch, sound, and voice feedback—Vision Pro makes this a reality. Using cutting-edge tech like a LiDAR scanner and Augmented Reality (AR), the app helps users measure distances and detect people around them, turning everyday tasks into empowering experiences. With the power of Artificial Intelligence and the iPhone's LiDAR sensors, Vision Pro accurately interprets the environment, providing a rich sensory experience for the visually impaired. Initially launched in the U.S., its incredible success has led Apple to expand its reach to more countries, making this life-changing technology accessible to a global audience. Apple's commitment goes beyond just creating cool gadgets; it's about ensuring technology serves everyone. Vision Pro is a shining examp...

In a democracy, it is crucial that every citizen’s voice is equally heard. Yet, a great number of visually impaired individuals in England have a difficult time trying to individually cast their vote or even cast a vote at all. Ensuring accessible voting rights for the visually impaired is not just a legal obligation, as it is a human right mentioned by The Electoral Commission, but a moral imperative.  Elin Williams has an eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa, which makes cells in the retina break down, causing vision loss, and she has stated that she has never been able to privately cast her vote without the assistance of someone. This limited access to private voting has led many visually impaired individuals to abstain from voting at all. Williams also said, “It can be a bit dehumanizing to be honest,” showing the barriers that the blind face during electoral processes.  When voting is made accessible, it naturally encourages an increased amount of participation among...

  It is common to see or interact with people who are visually impaired these days. This means that our society also designed for the people who are disabled—suitable   infrastructure, educational programs, supports, and many more.  Despite the society’s effort to help the group of people who are visually impaired, they still face challenges in their daily lives. According to who.int, visually impairment can affect the level of educational achievement for students. Among the adults who are visually impaired, they are likely to experience lower rates of employment, but instead, higher rates of depression and anxiety. Due to these daily difficulties for those group of people, WHO laid out the World report on vision. The key areas of work are promoting world sight day, supporting technical tools for eye care, and continuing to work with member states and other partners for global vision goals. If we have everyone’s contribution, we can make a world that is convenient and inc...

  On July 11th 2024, EYECAN, a nonprofit volunteering organization, hosted a White Cane Awareness Walk along King and Queen Street in St Helier. This event aimed to highlight the daily challenges faced by white cane users and promote understanding and empathy within the community. Participants, including white cane users and volunteers, navigated the busy streets, showing the importance of these aids for the visually impaired. The walk also addressed the unfortunate reality that many white cane users significantly experience abuse from others, which can significantly affect their confidence and sense of security in their community. During the walk, the visually impaired were able to engage with others and help passerby understand the difficulties that they face in their everyday lives. In addition, the walk served as an educational platform, fostering a more inclusive atmosphere. Ultimately, EYECAN's White Cane Awareness Walk served as a powerful reminder of the need for awareness ...

Guide  Dog  Robot  Research University  of  Massachusetts  Amherst  researchers  are  examining  closely  how  visually  impaired  people  interact  with  traditional  guide  dogs  in  order  to  optimize  guide-dog  robots. The  goal  is  to  create  robotic  friends  who  can  help  those  who  are  blind  or  visually  impaired  by  improving  their  mobility  and  independence  (ScienceDaily). The  National  Federation  of  the  Blind  Convention Orlando,  Florida,  recently  hosted  the  National  Federation  of  the  Blind  (NFB)  2024  meeting. Members  of  the  visually  impaired  community  convened  at  the...