Blindness

Question 1

List six possible causes of blindness

Answer 1

diabetes, macular degeneration, glaucoma, accident/injury to the eye, stroke, retinitis pigmentosa

Question 2

What is the legal definition of blindness?

Answer 2

visual acuity of 20/200 with corrective lenses, or a field of vision of 20 degrees or less in the eye with the best vision

Question 3

List two potential challenges that blind users face with ICT (Information and Communication Technology)

Answer 3

1. Cannot see digital or electronic interfaces (e.g. computers, ATM Machines, mobile devices, kiosks, TVs, etc.)
2. Cannot use screen-readers on digital content that is not designed with accessibility in mind

Question 4

What are the assistive technology solutions that can help address the challenge that blind users have with digital or electronic interfaces (e.g. mobile phone, computer, TV, kiosk, etc.)

Answer 4

1. Screen-readers can read content out loud to users by converting digital text to synthesized speech.
2. Self-voicing interfaces and apps can communicate info without a screen-reader, but they mostly broadcast information
3. Refreshable Braille output devices convert digital text to Braille

Question 5

List two challenges that people who are blind face with architecture and the built environment

Answer 5

1. Cannot see when walking

2. Cannot see signs or other text on buildings in the built environment

Question 6

List six possible solutions to address the challenge with the built environment for people who are blind - “cannot see when walking”

Answer 6

1. Canes
2. Service animals
3. GPS based walking instructions
4. Raised tiles on the ground
5. Eliminate low-hanging architectural features
6. Clear pathways to eliminate obstructions

Question 7

List three possible solutions to address the challenge blind users have with not being able to see signs on buildings

Answer 7

1. Maps and geo-location apps on mobile devices can announce building names and descriptions
2. Braille labels on entrances, restrooms, meeting rooms and other points of interest
3. Tactile models of building exteriors or interior floorplans

Question 8

List four challenges that people who are blind face with consumer and industrial products

Answer 8

1. Cannot see or feel the controls on flat interfaces of consumer devices like microwaves, dishwashers, etc.
2. Cannot read the text on consumer packaging for items like toothpaste, sunscreen, shampoo, foods, drinks, etc.
3. Cannot read money to determine its value
4. Cannot read books, magazines, posters, mail, or other printed materials

Question 9

List three possible solutions to overcome the challenges blind users have with feeling the controls on flat interfaces of consumer devices (e.g. microwave, dishwasher, etc.)

Answer 9

1. Alternative interfaces with knobs or other tactile controls
2. Audio interfaces
3. Remote control through apps on mobile devices

Question 10

List a possible solution for the challenge that blind users have with not being able to see labels on consumer packaging for things like lotion, toothpaste, food, drinks, etc.

Answer 10

Embossed Braille or Braille stickers on packaging and containers can help blind users identify items in the store and after purchase

Question 11

List three potential solutions to help blind users be able to determine the value of money

Answer 11

1. Apps on mobile devices can take a picture of the money and read the value to blind users
2. Paper bills and coins could have different sizes, shapes and textures
3. Non-cash systems of payment

Question 12

List two possible solutions that would allow blind users to be able to read printed materials

Answer 12

1. Optical character recognition software can convert scanned images of text to digital text
2. Information can be placed online or in other digital formats