In a world with few services for blind people, it may be challenging for blind people and others with vision impairments to navigate their surroundings and fully use life’s opportunities. On the other hand, as more people become aware of the issue, innovative and cutting-edge approaches and technology are being created to make life easier for blind people and others who are visually impaired in our world.
Do you have low vision, or do you know someone who does? Are you looking for local blind resources? If that’s the case, then read on! This article delves into the difficulties the blind and visually impaired encounter and the tools and support systems that can help them better navigate the world.
Challenges Faced by the Blind When Seeking Resources for the Blind
The main challenges faced by the blind when seeking resources for the visually impaired
Locating the Resources
This is not a problem for the vast majority of situations. However, getting assistance from a service provider might be problematic when a pressing need or query arises for which no internet resources readily give adequate solutions. For example, trying to get services that you need, like a library for the blind, when you don’t know where to search or who to ask for them from, may be a difficult and time-consuming experience.
Obliviousness of the Existence and Availability of these Resources
There is a widespread problem of blind people being unaware that aid is available for them. The fact that blind people can live freely and carry out routine chores is often overlooked, yet support services exist for them. Many organisations are doing good work for the blind community by helping to get the word out about these resources, providing education and guidance, and meeting practical needs. Those who face this challenge should know about aid options and seek assistance if necessary.
Lack of Knowledge on How to Use Resources for the Blind
Many blind people do not know how to use resources for the visually impaired, particularly when it comes to technology. Braille displays and speech synthesisers are two examples of multipurpose technologies that may be utilised by the blind, but many people don’t know how to use them. People who are blind can benefit from access to descriptive written materials or other forms of accessible information that can help them understand how to use available resources.
Lack of Confidence in Ability to Use the Resources Effectively
Those who lack confidence in their abilities to make good use of blindness-related resources may struggle to seek out and engage with these options actively. This can happen for various reasons, including inexperience, misunderstanding, or fear of failure. Because of this, accessing community resources such as information, tools, and support materials for the blind may be challenging.
Types of Resources are Available for the Blind
Many different resources are available for the blind. These include:
Braille
Braille is a system for reading and writing for the blind. It was developed by Louis Braille in 1829, who used it to write books for the blind. Today, braille is still used to read and write books for the visually impaired. Braille can be written on paper, plastic, metal or other materials with raised bumps embossed into them. The embossing makes it possible for anyone who cannot see to read braille books by using their fingers as guides.
Screen-Reading Software
Using computer-generated speech, it converts on-screen text into a voice that can be heard. It is suitable for use with most software and hardware components on computers. Mac computers often come with pre-installed screen-reading software, but it’s also available as an add-on for Linux and Windows PCs. Screen-reading software include VoiceOver for Macs, JAWS and WindowEyes for Windows, and Orca for certain editions of Linux.
Walking Canes for Blind People
Walking canes for blind people are devices that allow individuals who are blind to manoeuvre around obstacles safely. They typically consist of a metal frame with a rubber or plastic tip at the end, fitted with a leather strap or belt. The straps keep the cane close to the body, making it easier to use without taking time to find the handle.
Magnification Software
Magnification software works much like a magnifying glass on paper by expanding on-screen content in response to the user’s cursor or keyboard input. A zoom feature is already included in Mac computers, but there are magnification software compatible with Windows OS. Screen magnification software can be used in conjunction with a screen reader. Magic and ZoomText are both types of magnification software that make it easier to see text on a big screen.
Conclusion
It is more difficult for blind or visually impaired people to go about and enjoy life. For this reason, Living Paintings have made it their mission to produce tactile books for the blind, which can be borrowed from their library at no cost and distributed to blind and partially sighted kids, teenagers, and adults. We also provide materials for use by educators and caregivers. To learn more about their library for the blind, services and products, visit their website.
