{"id":139,"date":"2016-08-20T00:06:21","date_gmt":"2016-08-20T00:06:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sensorytravel.com\/blog\/?p=139"},"modified":"2023-12-13T20:00:55","modified_gmt":"2023-12-13T20:00:55","slug":"apps-for-users-who-are-blind-and-visually-impaired","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/sensorytravel.com\/blog\/?p=139","title":{"rendered":"Apps for Users Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired"},"content":{"rendered":"

(UPDATED: 2023-04-12)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2026<\/p>\n

Accessibility<\/a> Navigation and GPS Apps<\/a> Transportation and Route Planning<\/a> <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

Accessibility:<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

OKO (free)<\/h3>\n

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:\u00a0https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/apple-store\/id1583614988<\/a><\/p>\n

Seeing AI (free)<\/h3>\n

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:\u00a0https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/seeing-ai-talking-camera-for-the-blind\/id999062298<\/a>\u00a0Google Play Store: https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.microsoft.seeingai&hl=en_US&pli=1<\/a><\/p>\n

Be My Eyes (free)<\/h3>\n

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.\u201d 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<\/a>\u00a0Google Play Store: https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.bemyeyes.bemyeyes<\/a><\/p>\n

Aira (free in some places, where Access Partners provide the service)<\/h3>\n

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<\/a>\u00a0Google Play Store: https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=io.aira.smart&hl=en_US<\/a><\/p>\n

Lookout by Google (free)<\/h3>\n

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:\u00a0https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.google.android.apps.accessibility.reveal&hl=en_US&gl=US<\/a><\/p>\n

Envision (free with in app purchases)<\/h3>\n

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<\/a>\u00a0Google Play Store: https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.letsenvision.envisionai&hl=en<\/a><\/p>\n

Door Detection, People Detection, and Image Descriptions<\/h3>\n

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<\/a>\u00a0And on People Detection: https:\/\/support.apple.com\/guide\/iphone\/detect-people-around-you-iph19e03650c\/ios<\/a><\/p>\n

Voice Dream Scanner<\/h3>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n

OneStep Reader<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> Google Play Store: https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.sensotec.knfbreader&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1<\/a><\/p>\n

Visor Low Vision<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> Google Play Store: https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=de.visorapp.visor&hl=en<\/a><\/p>\n

Vision Assist<\/h3>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n

VoiceDream Reader<\/h3>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n

TextGrabber (free)<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> Google Play Store: https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.abbyy.mobile.textgrabber.full&hl=en<\/a><\/p>\n

Cash Reader (free with in app purchases)<\/h3>\n

Money identifier that works with currencies from around the world. iTunes Store: https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/cash-reader-bill-identifier\/id1344802905<\/a>\u00a0Google Play Store: https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.martindoudera.cashreader&hl=en_US<\/a><\/p>\n

EyeNote (free)<\/h3>\n

Money identifier from the United States Mint. iTunes Store:\u00a0https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/eyenote\/id405336354<\/a><\/p>\n

Examine Clothes Color (free)<\/h3>\n

Color identifier that works quite well in describing even complex patterns. iTunes Store:\u00a0https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/examine-clothes-color\/id1074506449<\/a><\/p>\n

TapTapSee (free)<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> Google Play Store: https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.msearcher.taptapsee.android&hl=en<\/a><\/p>\n

Drafts<\/h3>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n

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Navigation and GPS Apps:<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Apple Maps and Siri (built in iOS app, free)<\/h3>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n

Google Maps with Google Now and TalkBack (free)<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> Google Play Store: https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.google.android.apps.maps&hl=en<\/a><\/p>\n

GoodMaps Outdoors (free)<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> Android Version is coming soon.<\/p>\n

BlindSquare<\/h3>\n

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:\u00a0https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/blindsquare\/id500557255<\/a><\/p>\n

Lazarillo GPS for Blind (free)<\/h3>\n

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<\/a>\u00a0Google Play Store:\u00a0https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.lazarillo<\/a><\/p>\n

Compass (built in iOS app, free)<\/h3>\n

This app is built into every iPhone and can be used with Zoom or VoiceOver to make the information accessible<\/p>\n

Talking Compass (free)<\/h3>\n

Speaks the direction. Google Play Store:\u00a0https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.tippu.talkingcompass&hl=en_US&gl=US<\/a><\/p>\n

Ariadne<\/h3>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

Transportation and Route Planning:<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Google Maps (free)<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> Google Play Store: https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.google.android.apps.maps&hl=en<\/a><\/p>\n

Apple Maps and Siri (built in iOS app, free)<\/h3>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n

Transit (free)<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> Google Play Store: https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.thetransitapp.droid&hl=en<\/a><\/p>\n

Moovit (free)<\/h3>\n

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

Where To?<\/h3>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(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… Finish Reading Apps for Users Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,7,20,19,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-139","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-accessibility","category-expanded-core-curriculum-ecc","category-orientation-and-mobility","category-technology","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/sensorytravel.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/139","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/sensorytravel.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/sensorytravel.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sensorytravel.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sensorytravel.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=139"}],"version-history":[{"count":58,"href":"http:\/\/sensorytravel.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/139\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":220,"href":"http:\/\/sensorytravel.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/139\/revisions\/220"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/sensorytravel.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=139"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sensorytravel.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=139"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/sensorytravel.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}