Have you heard about all the smartphone and tablet apps but think you have to be a ‘computer geek’ to learn how to use them? I’ve got the app for you! It’s called Be My Eyes.
The article Be My Eyes: Get This App And Help The Blind explains it well and has photos to show you what you should see on the screen when you use it. The article says, “Many iPhone users with visual impairments use a video FaceTime or Skype call with a friend for a brief session of sighted help—to find a hotel room door, for instance, or to help set the controls on a washer or dryer. But what if your friends or family members are not available when you need assistance? Or maybe you call the same person again and again, and you worry you might be overstaying your welcome?”
Be My Eyes pairs sighted volunteers with visually impaired people who could use another pair of eyes. The app is free both to download and to use. It’s available both for Apple (App Store) and Android (Google Play) devices – smartphones AND tablets.
After you download the app, you basically click on it and follow the instructions:
- You’ll be asked to choose from:
- I am sighted
- I am blind
- If this is your first time using it, you’ll be asked to create an account and be asked to allow the microphone and the camera to work with the app.
- If you’re calling for help, you’ll be told that you are waiting for the first available helper.
- You will hear the helper’s voice. They’ll hear yours and will see what your forward-facing camera is pointed at. The helper may ask you to move the phone or tablet a bit so they can see what you want. They may tell you to turn on the light on your device so they can see better.
- The uses are really unlimited!
- Do you want to know the instructions on a can of soup?
- Do you want to see the expire-by date of something in the fridge?
- Shopping and can’t find something?
- Can’t find socks that match?
- Did you drop something
- More ideas here–>https://www.bemyeyes.com/get-started
Here’s are some GREAT videos with demonstrations.