Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community
A new app developed to aid the blind in completing daily tasks actually uses complete strangers to make it work.
It is an example of Galatians 6:2 which reads, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” In a world in which sight is essential to exist, living out that verse helps those who find it difficult.
The “Be My Eyes” app uses video call technology to connect visually impaired individuals to volunteers around the world, who then guide them through whatever daily task they are trying to complete. It is an amazing example of carrying the “burden.”
The process is more simple than one might imagine: the blind or low-vision person requests help and a video call is made. Then, an approved volunteer answers the call and helps them out in any way they can. “A blind or a low-vision user may need help with anything from checking expiry dates, distinguishing colors, reading instructions or navigating new surroundings,” reads the app’s website.
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So far, there are almost 2.5 million volunteers engaging in this selfless work, which currently operates in over 150 countries.
The developer’s website says the goal of the app is “to make the world more accessible to people who are blind or have a low level of vision.”
As part of the Community Stories section, the app tells countless real-life tales of how their creation has helped people who may otherwise struggle to complete day-to-day tasks.
“Laundry day is when Be My Eyes really comes in handy for Brittney,” one story reads. “Brittney’s new home has a has a brand new washer and dryer, each with so many different settings that Brittney is still trying to memorize.”
The story continues: “‘Be My Eyes’ is extremely useful to Brittney in helping her familiarize herself with the setting and being certain she’s selected the correct one. The volunteers do not only help her with operating the washer and dryer, they also assist her with picking out the right fabric softener, reading washing instructions on a specific piece of clothing, and even with sorting out her laundry.”
Metro Voice encourages readers to check it out.
