Example Reflection

Challenge and Selection

My selection came from noticing the challenges that the visually impaired faces on a daily basis  especially in public spaces. I’ve also noticed that one of the main problems facing the visually  impaired is the illiteracy associated with navigating the braille. Problems facing the visually  impaired have been overlooked for many years. It’s no doubt that this is a challenging area to  provide solutions for however if we really make this a priority then I can see progress in this  area. There can be measures implemented to fix such problems and also new technology to assist  them so they don’t feel left out of the society. I have used the visualization tool and also a short  interview with a visually impaired to assist with some pointers that may be useful in assisting  this desired community.

Application

In having a conversation with the visually impaired I made sure to ask about the challenges faced  while going about their business on a daily basis and also what they think might assist them  going forward. Some of the most common problems include: Using the ATM, navigating large  spaces, Shopping, staying ahead at school etc.

The visually impaired wants to feel just as important as everyone else therefore I believe it would  be great if there was more technology in place to assist them. For example, if there was an app to  assist them with the deposit or withdrawal of money / cheques without even having to go to the  ATM that would be a huge plus for them, instead of having someone to walk with them to the  ATM and be their fingers for them. In this case they feel like there’s an invasion of privacy since  the other party has to assist them with their personal business. As it relates to navigating large  spaces it can be extremely difficult especially if they’re traversing by themselves. They should  be able to use apps to help them navigate a particular space. Shopping can be a bother to them as  well but oftentimes they have to walk with their list and shop on someone else’s judgement  which also makes them feel handicapped.

For students that are visually impaired it is most difficult for them to keep up in classes  especially if they’ll have to take notes or taking practical classes like mathematics.

While doing the interview both the visually impaired and I had to do some visual thinking in  order to create a visual image of the conversation.

Insight and Approach

With a world of technology on hand, there’s a lot more to be done in the visually impaired  industry for especially persons who have to interact with them. If we are placed in a position  where we have to assist someone who is visually impaired then we have to listen keenly to them  and do as they say. Lecturers, teachers and parents should also be taught how to use the braille as  well. The education of persons who have to teach them should be increased so that we can better  relate to them.

In essence persons who are visually impaired need greater communication, greater attention  given to them, extreme patience and lots of kindness showed to them on a daily basis.  Fundamentally they want to be self-sufficient just like other normal persons.

Great insight has to be taken when solutions are be thought through to tackle these problems. It is  however extremely important to get the opinions of persons living with visual problems. They  should be heavily included in community meetings, policy changes and school committees as  well.

