Dothan, Ala. — On Thursday afternoon, the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB) collaborated with Sight Savers of America to provide valuable hands-on training for individuals with visual impairments. The event, held in Dothan, introduced participants to a range of assistive devices designed to improve their daily lives, from magnifying tools that make reading easier to advanced pens that provide functions beyond traditional writing instruments.
Rakia Leggett, a case manager at AIDB, demonstrated how one of the highlighted devices works: a pen capable of scanning text and reading it aloud to the user. “You can put that pen on a document and just scan it across it, and it will read out all the information to you,” Leggett explained. This innovative technology offers a level of independence to visually impaired individuals that was previously unimaginable.
Throughout the event, AIDB and Sight Savers conducted tests to determine which pieces of equipment would be most beneficial for their consumers. The participants, all of whom are current clients of AIDB, have varying levels of visual impairment, ranging from mild vision loss to complete blindness. For many, the opportunity to use this equipment firsthand was a revelation.
One consumer, Becky Cox, shared her experience with the assistive technology. Cox, who has been living with visual impairments for nearly 30 years, described how the devices were life-changing. “I have no vision in my left eye, and I’m 22/100 in my right eye,” she said. “This allows me to take something with me to a restaurant, read a menu, and actually order from a menu instead of having somebody else order for me.” Cox expressed her gratitude for the advancements in technology, noting how fortunate she felt to live in an era where such devices are available.
The event not only provided consumers with the opportunity to test the equipment, but also gave them the chance to take some of the devices home, free of charge. For many, this marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, offering them tools that will improve their independence and ability to navigate everyday tasks.
AIDB and Sight Savers of America continue to make strides in supporting the visually impaired community, ensuring that individuals like Becky Cox have the resources they need to thrive. With the ongoing development of assistive technologies, the future is looking brighter for those living with vision loss.
