Technology

People with sight loss are using technology every day, it's opening up the world for them and enabling them to make many more choices about where they go and what they do. At Guide Dogs, we work in collaboration with others to influence the design of technologies, ensuring they meet your needs.

Did you know?

Vispero, the manufacturers of assistive technology software products JAWS, ZoomText and Fusion, have recognised that some people might have lost access to their favourtie software while working from home due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

They've therefore made access to them FREE for 90 days!

Read how to get your free copy.

Alternatively, you can also download NVDA, a screen reader for Windows, which is always free. Or you can try the screen reader or magnifier built into Windows 10. To start the magnifier, press Windows + Plus; to turn it off, press Windows + Escape.

Opening up the world with technology

A man listening to an ear piece wearing sun glasses
Soundscape

Microsoft Soundscape is an app that empowers you to become aware of your surroundings and help you with your mobility needs.

A woman looks at her phone smiling
Be My Eyes
Be My Eyes is a free smartphone app which connects people with sight loss to sighted volunteers.
 
Pair of hands touch a phone
Headspace
Headspace is a subscription-based app that allows you to practice mindfulness through daily meditations. It claims that it will teach you how to meditate.
A woman using a smartphone
iOS accessibility features

Take a look at our series of accessible videos to help explain many of the useful accessible features on your iPhone.

Hands tap at a computer
Keeping safe online
At a time when we have all been asked to stay at home, many people are turning to technology to stay connected and manage daily life.
Image of a person using mobile phone
Seeing AI
Seeing AI is a free app that can describe the world around you, specifically for Apple iOS devices
person reads on a tablet device
Reading apps
EasyReader is a free app, available on Apple and Android devices, that gives you access to the world's largest collection of talking book and newspaper libraries. You can use EasyReader to access the RNIB’s Reading Services Library,
Zoom logo
Webinars
Guide Dogs are offering Technology Webinars, to help people with sight loss, their friends and families and anyone that may support people with sight loss, gain a wider knowledge of technology and its benefits. 

Disclaimer: Whilst Guide Dogs may be able to suggest various third party websites and third party applications which may be able to assist you, those are not endorsed by Guide Dogs.  Guide Dogs has no control over those third parties and cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information and support they can provide or the suitability and quality of any products or services they provide.

Coming in 2020

Guide Dogs' staff across the UK are undergoing enhanced technology and digital inclusion training so that we can advise you on what tech solutions will work best for you, to include:

  1. Mobility
    • Smartphone apps for rail travel, route planning and orientation
    • Devices such as smart canes/aids, smart glasses and haptic feedback wearables
  2. Independent living skills
    • Smartphone apps for talking cameras, audio descriptions of the world around you and putting you in touch with sighted guides
  3. Smart home technology
    • Amazon speakers, smart lighting and smart plugs
  4. Digital inclusion
    • Help setting up online services such as shopping and streaming music