by Rab Bruce’s Spider

Twitter @RabBrucesSpider

GETTING around on your own is a major problem if you cannot see. Many people who use a guide dog or a long cane have sufficient residual vision to manage to navigate unfamiliar places as long as they travel with care, but when you can see nothing at all, even familiar locations can present difficulties. Even in the home, not being able to find things or work out what you are looking at often creates a lot of frustration. In previous articles, I’ve mentioned a couple of ways technology can help, but there is one system which offers visually impaired people unprecedented freedom.

Can help you do pretty much whatever you like, from choosing groceries to navigating an airport

This system is known as AIRA (pronounced Eye-ra). It is a subscription product which provides a visually impaired person with a pair of spectacles with a camera mounted on the frame. This camera is connected to a special mobile phone which can call AIRA directly. When you place a call, you are connected to an AIRA agent who can see what your camera shows on their own PC screen. They also instantly know who you are and, most importantly, where you are. These AIRA agents are specially trained in how to guide visually impaired people and can help you do pretty much whatever you like, from choosing groceries to navigating an airport, or providing commentary on a sports event you are attending. If you are going to a restaurant, they can even look up the menu for you in advance of you arriving there.