Gadgets for the Blind

A blind photographer. This is seemingly oxymoronic. But, apparently, possible through the help of tech gadgets. Take for instance, Alex Dejong, featured photographer in Wired Magazine’s article, “Blind Photographers Use Gadgets to Realize Artistic Vision.” Dejong is a professional photographer who lost his eyesight due to a brain tumor. He, however, did not let this hinder his passion for photography. Technology plays a major role in assisting Dejong capture life on film. He uses a Nokia N82 cellphone which has assistive software to translate sounds from his surroundings into visuals. Dejong uses this to help him get a better understanding of where he is contextually. He then picks up his Canon and snaps.

Unfortunately for Dejong, he has had trouble editing his photos because he cannot see them. For this he hired an editor. But, now, with the help of Apple’s iPhone 3GS, he can edit his own photos himself. Called VoiceOver, the application reads back anything a user places his finger over on the screen: email, web pages, etc. Join this feature with photo-editing applications such as CameraBag and now Dejong and others can edit.

After reading this article I found how instrumental and extremely significant technology is in the lives of disabled individuals. I am very thankful that there are helpful little gadgets that can be combined creatively to perform/aide in tasks to help the blind. It is great that Dejong can continue to work. I think if I ever get into the technology field, I would like to create assistive software/gadgets. Because, really, if you take a look at Dejong’s work, it’s simply amazing. These photos are definitely something the world could not go without. It almost, for a second, gives you a peak into his world.