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Technology

Apps for Users Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired

August 20, 2016 • sensorytravel

(UPDATED: 2023-04-12)

This page is a reference page of apps that can be used for independence in the community, for Orientation and Mobility, etc. Things are continuing to evolve and change at an ever increasing rate and updates to the original list are regularly necessary. At times an app will be updated by the developer and it may not have the same level of accessibility, at other times apps completely disappear from the various app stores when the developer is no longer supporting the app or the company is perhaps gobbled up by a larger company. In any event, I will update this post from time to time, which may include significant changes as the app world evolves. These apps are either specifically designed for blind or visually impaired users or are apps that work well with VoiceOver on iOS or TalkBack on Android devices; many are multi-platform and available on iOS via the Apple Store and Android via Google Play. The list is divided into several categories; there are quick links immediately following this paragraph to make it easier to jump to the category you are interested in. So, without further ado, here are the quick links and the list…

Accessibility Navigation and GPS Apps Transportation and Route Planning

 

Accessibility:

OKO (free)

An artificial intelligence (AI) app that helps pedestrians access information on the pedestrian signal. “Simply point the back camera of the phone towards the intersection that you want to cross and the OKO application will instantly detect the pedestrian traffic light and inform the user through audio and haptic feedback.” iTunes Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1583614988

Seeing AI (free)

An app that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide information about what the camera sees. Can read text, handwriting, describe scenes, identify items from their barcode, identify currency, and more. iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/seeing-ai-talking-camera-for-the-blind/id999062298 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.seeingai&hl=en_US&pli=1

Be My Eyes (free)

To quote their website, “Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance through a live video call.” Be My Eyes now also includes an AI (artificial intelligenc) feature called Be My AI if you prefer not to talk with a human. iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/be-my-eyes-helping-blind-see/id905177575 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bemyeyes.bemyeyes

Aira (free in some places, where Access Partners provide the service)

Remote assistance from trained representatives. Something similar to a Mission Impossible movie where the hero or heroine is able to be helped by someone in the background with computer information and a live video feed. iTunes Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aira/id1071584352 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.aira.smart&hl=en_US

Lookout by Google (free)

An app that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide information about what the camera sees. Can read text, scan barcodes, describe photos, scan documents, identify currency, and more. Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.accessibility.reveal&hl=en_US&gl=US

Envision (free with in app purchases)

This is another AI app that offers lots of options for obtaining information, even learning peoples faces. iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/envision-ai/id1268632314 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.letsenvision.envisionai&hl=en

Door Detection, People Detection, and Image Descriptions

Not an app exactly, more like features of an app. Apple’s newer iPhones allow the option of detectors in the built in Magnifier app (accessed through the settings within the app, last section in the settings area). As an example, here is some additional information on Door Detection, https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/detect-doors-around-you-iph35c335575/ios And on People Detection: https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/detect-people-around-you-iph19e03650c/ios

Voice Dream Scanner

Very affordable and powerful text to speech app from that is another addition to the Voice Dream suite of apps, all designed for blind and visually impaired users. iTunes Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/voice-dream-scanner/id1446737725

OneStep Reader

Text to speech by photographing print with automatic reading available and tactile guidance for aligning camera; expensive but very reliable and easy to use. iTunes Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/onestep-reader-multi/id1140835211 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sensotec.knfbreader&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1

Visor Low Vision

Easy to use screen magnification with very simple controls; open the app an it is ready, touch on the screen to focus, etc. iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/visor-magnifier/id944215829 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.visorapp.visor&hl=en

Vision Assist

This app is like having a CCTV in your pocket, complete with options for zoom, contrast, reverse polarity, freeze frame, etc. iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/visionassist/id502356279?mt=8

VoiceDream Reader

Document reader that reads many formats of documents and has high quality voice with available options for fine tuning the playback of the text. There is also a lite version which is free. iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/voice-dream-reader/id496177674

TextGrabber (free)

Text to speech using optical character recognition (OCR) by photographing text with the camera iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/textgrabber-image-to-text/id438475005 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.abbyy.mobile.textgrabber.full&hl=en

Cash Reader (free with in app purchases)

Money identifier that works with currencies from around the world. iTunes Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cash-reader-bill-identifier/id1344802905 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.martindoudera.cashreader&hl=en_US

EyeNote (free)

Money identifier from the United States Mint. iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/eyenote/id405336354

Examine Clothes Color (free)

Color identifier that works quite well in describing even complex patterns. iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/examine-clothes-color/id1074506449

TapTapSee (free)

Can take photographs and describe what is in the photograph or describe what a photograph is if it is already in your camera roll iTunes Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/taptapsee/id567635020 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.msearcher.taptapsee.android&hl=en

Drafts

Basic note taker that will automatically save any note you write and will also integrate with the Reminders app on iOS devices iTunes Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1236254471

 

Navigation and GPS Apps:

Apple Maps and Siri (built in iOS app, free)

Apple Maps is built into iOS devices and can provide spoken location information and pedestrian directions as well as use VoiceOver and Siri for accessibility. There are a number of cities that Apple Maps provides public transportation information for, but to date it only covers a portion of cities around the world; you can find the list of supported cities at the following link for information on Apple Maps: https://www.apple.com/ios/feature-availability/#maps-transit

Google Maps with Google Now and TalkBack (free)

Along with knowing the current location, can also provide location and directions with voice input and provide spoken details iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-maps/id585027354 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.maps&hl=en

GoodMaps Outdoors (free)

Full featured GPS app that has been developed specifically for blind and low vision travelers. This app was originally Seeing Eye GPS XT, but the app has now been acquired by GoodMaps and is now free! iTunes Store for subscription version: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goodmaps-outdoors/id945756779 Android Version is coming soon.

BlindSquare

Terrific GPS app that is tailored to travelers who are blind and visually impaired. It integrates with other apps, such as Google Maps and Transit to provide route details with public transportation. Best value for price and features in this category. iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/blindsquare/id500557255

Lazarillo GPS for Blind (free)

A relatively new addition to the field of accessible GPS apps; this one is available on both iTunes and Google Play and its price is a perfect match for trying it out. iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lazarillo-accesible-gps/id1139331874 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lazarillo

Compass (built in iOS app, free)

This app is built into every iPhone and can be used with Zoom or VoiceOver to make the information accessible

Talking Compass (free)

Speaks the direction. Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tippu.talkingcompass&hl=en_US&gl=US

Ariadne

Very handy and accurate app for providing information about travel environment, such as direction of travel, landmarks, addresses, and street names, but does not generate point to point route directions. iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ariadne-gps/id441063072

 

Transportation and Route Planning:

Google Maps (free)

Great way to have a national, in fact an international connection to travel planning. Allows user to select directions based on travel modes of vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, or transit iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-maps/id585027354 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.maps&hl=en

Apple Maps and Siri (built in iOS app, free)

There are a number of cities that Apple Maps supports public transportation information as well, but to date it only covers a portion of cities around the world, you can find the list of supported cities at the following link for information on Apple Maps: https://www.apple.com/ios/feature-availability/#maps-transit

Transit (free)

Transportation planning app with large bold numbers for bus routes; this app immediately shows you which bus routes are nearest to you and in many areas provides real time arrival information. iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/app/apple-store/id498151501 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thetransitapp.droid&hl=en

Moovit (free)

Transportation information for most areas. iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/moovit-your-local-transit/id498477945 Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tranzmate&c=Moovit_Website&pid=Moovit_Website

Where To?

To find what is nearby, such as restaurants, banks, etc.; paid version seems to work best with VoiceOver iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/where-to-find-best-places/id903955898


Categories: Accessibility, Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), Orientation and Mobility, Technology, Uncategorized
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Technology in Orientation and Mobility

May 8, 2015 • sensorytravel

2015-05-08

Technology in Orientation and Mobility

A question came in about how technology is used during Orientation and Mobility lessons and I had so much fun typing the E-mail response I thought I would share it as a blog post.

There are so very many options today in terms of technology, but the basics of life shared in the terrific book Finding Wheels are still as relevant today as ever. The foundation of travel and getting where you want to go is enhanced by technologies but one still needs that special gray matter between the ears, a white cane or guide dog if non-visual or partial visual travel skills are needed, and a healthy serving of common sense. That being said, on with the toys : )

The Trekker Breeze is quite familiar to most folks as an accessible GPS solution that is on the verge of getting much, much better. HumanWare is about to release Trekker Breeze Plus. The Plus version will appear the same on the outside but the inside will have improved components that allow quicker and more stable connections to satellites, the ability to “lock in” Open Area mode, and I am sure a bevy of other enhancements. For those that have already purchased a Trekker Breeze, there is no need to take out a loan for the $800 to purchase a new device; there will be a $199 upgrade program. HumanWare will rebuild the originally purchased Trekker Breeze, giving it a new GPS module as well as a new battery if you send it in once the program gets up and running. Hopefully things will start happening toward the middle to end of May, 2015.

In terms of iOS and Android devices, there are a multitude of apps to choose from. A curated list of favorites with links and descriptions can be found at the blog post “Apps for Independence in the Community and Orientation and Mobility”. 

In terms of lessons with students (could also be used with Adults), here is another post with tech activities that can be done for each area of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) during Orientation and Mobility lessons; “Mixing O&M, Technology, and the Expanded Core Curriculum”.

Oh, just one more note, this will all be updating soon as folks begin using the “taptic engine” in the Apple Watch as it will give tactile/haptic feedback to the wrist to alert the traveler when a turn is required along a route; there are different taps for right and left turns.

Categories: Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), Orientation and Mobility, Technology • Tags: , , , ,
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Geocaching and Letterboxing for Orientation and Mobility Lessons

May 7, 2015 • sensorytravel

 

Geocaching and Letterboxing for Orientation and Mobility Lessons

For those wanting to add some creative adventures to their Orientation and Mobility lessons, you can introduce the concept of Geocaching and Letterboxing.

Here are some suggestions for activities:

  • Have prepared locations for “letterboxing” with described directions, using cardinal directions from a known landmark and use the compass (braille, talking, or app from smart phone) as an orientation tool.

  • Have students enter the location of a cache with latitude and longitude coordinates into BlindSquare (iOS) or APH Nearby Explorer (Android) to get some prompting by tracking the coordinates as a landmark.

  • For a team activity, braille the clues and hints so that students can use their compensatory skills to read to the group.

  • To develop concepts for Orientation and Mobility, be sure to use words that emphasize the concept in the directions, such as parallel and perpendicular, traffic side of sidewalk, cardinal directions, with the landmark behind you, etc.

  • Consider making a sample activity plan to share with parents and families so they can participate with their child as well

The Geocaching app on the iPhone with VoiceOver affords a way to search for the presence of caches in your area, but as far as using it in an accessible way, it is a bit of a challenge. The app has a compass to direct the user but the compass position is not read by VoiceOver due to the app design. What you can get from the app is the latitude and longitude of the cache itself which can then be entered into another app that is more accessible. One such app that is specifically developed for users with visual impairment and blindness is BlindSquare (costs about $29.99). BlindSquare allows a user to enter their own places as landmarks and then edit the location with latitude and longitude coordinates. The technical part is that Geocaching displays coordinates in a hybrid form (e.g. 32˚ 49.818′ N and 116˚ 46.574′ W) while BlindSquare uses Decimal degrees (e.g. 32.8303˚ N and 116.7762˚ W); luckily there are free conversion apps you can get that will do the conversion for you. You can also use programs and apps like Google Maps to get the latitude and longitude of a location anywhere on the planet without having to have physically traveled there to set it as a landmark. This lets you have guidance to where you would like to travel. BlindSquare can provide directions with cardinal directions (N, S, E, W), relative directions (To Your Right, To Your Left, etc.), or clock face (toward One O’Clock, or Three O’Clock), and can have distances expressed as feet or meters. 

The app will get you close to the cache but locating the actual box will be more manual. One way to adapt this is to arrive early and to have a sound module with a motion sensor (such as the kind used in halloween decorations where the sound effect occurs as you walk by, [ http://www.electronics123.com/shop/product/300-second-usb-recording-module-with-motion-sensor-and-black-enclosure-5324?search=motion ]) placed at the cache or coordinate directions with tactile landmarks that will be clues to bring the students in closer. At some point you may be able use things like iBeacons and “Nearables” (just visit Estimote.com for fun dreaming about how you could use the technology). Another strategy is to use a wireless doorbell. The main unit can be placed at the cache site and the button for the doorbell can be used by the student looking for the cache, as they get within range the doorbell will respond to the button press and provide a sound clue of where to head to ([ http://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-RCWL300A1006-Premium-Portable-Wireless/dp/B001CMLAZ4/ref=sr\_1\_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1431017857&sr=1-1&keywords=wireless+doorbell ]).

Letterboxing sites:

Geocaching sites:

 

Chris Tabb, 2015-05-07

chris@sensorytravel.com

Categories: Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), Orientation and Mobility, Technology • Tags:
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