<![CDATA[Gizmodo: the blind]]> http://tags.gizmodo.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/gizmodo.com.png <![CDATA[Gizmodo: the blind]]> http://gizmodo.com/tag/theblind http://gizmodo.com/tag/theblind <![CDATA[InVision Case Makes the iPhone Blind-Friendly, Defiantly Screenless]]> The screen-based controls and rich visuals that make a device like the iPhone an attractive option for deaf users aren't of much use to the visually impaired. By employing a combination of an embossed "Moon Type" alphabet casing, a custom home screen and a screenreading app, the InVision solution could (awkardly) provide most of the core functions of the iPhone, including almost bearable browsing, text input and music navigation, to the blind.

Feel-good sentiment aside, a project like this would face some huge hurdles. Not only would the screenreading and interface apps likely require a good deal of research and development, but their deep integration into the iPhone's OS would almost certainly violate the App Store rules, which can and one day will be construed to mean that Apple despises blind people. Right? RIGHT? Controversy! [Yanko]

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<![CDATA[Touch Sight Camera Lets the Blind Take Pictures, Sort Of]]> When you're born blind, there are a few things you probably don't expect to do: become an airline pilot, use a camera and type on the iPhone, to name a few. Chueh Lee, a designer at Samsung in China wants to remedy that second one with his Touch Sight camera design, which instantly creates a Braille-like relief image on a dynamic Braille display to be felt, saved and even traded with other Touch Sight users. In addition, the camera records three seconds of sound after the image is taken, which helps impaired-vision users navigate through libraries of saved pictures.

Chueh Lee claims that using their unusually acute sense of hearing, visually impaired individuals will be able to effectively target their photographic subject, and that placing the camera on their forehead will render the best results. It may look slightly hilarious, but bringing a previously inaccessible tools and hobbies to people who were previously denied them puts this design concept head and shoulders above most of the mockups we see floating around the tubes. Hopefully Mr. Lee can get a little backing from his pals at Samsung to see this one through. [Yanko]

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