Be My Eyes App

Be My Eyes goal is to make the world more accessible to people who are blind or have a low level of vision. It 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. The app is available for iOS and Android. Download at https://www.bemyeyes.com/. 

Using the app is easy. A user who has low vision, is an older adult with failing vision, or who is blind,  who runs across something they can’t see but need to see (e.g., a prescription label or expiration date, a graphic the users screen reader couldn’t identify, text in an improperly converted document, or even help in matching a pair of socks) can make a call on the app and be connected to the first available volunteer.

The user positions their phone so that the volunteer can see what it is that needs to be seen, and the volunteer can tell them what they  are looking at.  A volunteer does not  have to take the call if they are busy — the app will move on to call the next available person.

Be My Eyes is also available for business, improving customer support for people who are blind and low-vision. “Specialized Help” is a new and better way for companies or organizations to connect with blind and low-vision customers and provide them with improved, more accessible support.

Screen Readers for Android Phones

Looking for a screen reader for an Android Phone or other device?

Most of us take being able to see everything on our high-resolution Androids for granted. Folks who have a hard time seeing the overload of information that a modern smartphone has to offer will need some assistance. For Android users, two to consider are Google TalkBack and Eyes Free Shell.

Google TalkBack uses vibration, spoken word and other audible feedback to tell users what is on the screen.  It’s easy to install and Google has a TalkBack support page to help users learn how to install and use TalkBack.  AndroidCentral offers a review of TalkBack  at What is GoogleTalkBack?

Eyes-Free Shell is another android app  which is an alternative home screen or launcher for drivers and other people who don’t or can’t look at the screen. It gives blind and visually impaired users a way of interacting with the touch screen to check status information, launch other applications, and direct dial or message a contact.

The app was last updated August 14, 2015 and the current version is 3.5.0  It works on Android 2.1 and up.

Although written in 2010, How Do I Use the Eyes-Free Shell?  provides a useful introduction to  Eyes-Free  Shell and its features.

Helpful Apps for College Students

Sue Ordinetz,  has prepared two  tip sheets featuring apps  that may be helpful to college students with and without disabilities.

Ms. Ordinetz  is an Adjunct Professor – Occupational Therapy at American International College.

Apps for Higher Ed Android Apps

Android Apps