October 3 - Vision and Technology

This past week I watched and listened to a demonstration of META glasses. These glasses are absolutely amazing. Unlike regular glasses where the lenses are magnified to enhance vision, the META glasses audibly describe what the user is looking at. Lenses can be fitted to the frames if necessary – for instance tinted lenses for sun protection, but the technology works without the addition. I suppose it is a little like the Be My Eyes on a Smart Phone, except instead of carrying a phone around all the time, the user wears the technology on the nose.

When it came my turn to try out the glasses, I was surprised that they were reasonably comfortable. In spite of the intricate technology built into the frame and arms, the glasses were relatively lightweight. I asked META to describe the person sitting next to me. META described a woman, with a description of her clothing and hair colour. The description included the fact that she was sitting with her hands clasped in front of her. It was strange to hear these details when I couldn’t actually see them for myself. I think that for the first time in a long time I felt a tinge of regret that I couldn’t also “see” the details of my friend’s face.

There was much discussion around the table as to the use of the META glasses. Nicole demonstrated how META could read a menu, listing the items and the prices. Verna was excited that she might read recipes for her home cooking. Chelsea thought that she could use the glasses to look in her mirror to see if she was wearing a matching outfit. Lynn told of her sister using the glasses to listen and record music and to connect with Facebook. I must admit that this particular technology with the connection to a Smart Phone and Facebook was a bit beyond me.

Since the demonstration, I have been thinking about the many technical advances that have been made over the years. When my sight changed back in 1986, I was mostly reliant on a black and white CCTV monitor. I am now using my third CCTV with a larger screen with colour and clearer definition of the print. I rely on an audible screen reading program on my computer.  Using only my voice, I send and receive text messages on my phone. I use a talking watch and alarm clock. In the beginning I listened to books on cassette tapes. That progressed to CD’s with digital format. Now my Victor Stream reader has the capacity of down loading audible books remotely at any time of day from the library in Toronto. My how times have changed.

One more point of note – initially, META glasses were created for the use of people with sight. They were a device created for fun and enjoyment. It is only in more recent times that their capabilities were found to be so useful for people with no or little sight. Now instead of being just a device for recreational use, the META glasses are a tool. The minds that work to create these new technologies are breaking down accessibility barriers.

With Thanksgiving coming up, I am thankful. I am grateful for a world that looks forward to a place of universal access.