COOL BLIND TECH

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QR Code

How to scan a QR code with Android phones

QR codes can be a great time-saver but they’re not always obvious in how to use them, particularly if you have an older Android phone. Here’s what you need to know.

As QR codes have become more common, more manufacturers have built QR scanners directly into the default camera app. Samsung’s Galaxy S21 will read them, as will the Pixel 5, but other phones — especially older models — may not.

Even though there are many QR scanners available for free in the Google Play store, the best option is Google’s own Google Lens, which offers a variety of text scanning and translation tools but also has a QR scanner. read more

New award-winning app helps the blind and visually impaired manage their clothes

Two Industrial Design students from Carleton University have won an Innovative Designs for Accessibility (IDeA) student competition award from Universities Canada.

Liana Meere and Mandy Hui took top honours in the competition’s Attitudinal/Systemic barriers category for their concept Closet, a label system that enables people with visual disabilities to independently manage their clothes.

“The Carleton community is incredibly proud of Liana and Mandy in being recognized by Universities Canada for their innovation and dedication towards enhancing accessibility standards,” says Larry Kostiuk, dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design. “Their achievement adds to Carleton’s long-running success at the IDeA student competition and reflects our School of Industrial Design’s strong emphasis on inclusive and accessible design practices, as well as Carleton’s commitment to accessibility within the university’s Strategic Integrated Plan.” read more

This food label talks to the blind

Narrative Label has been developed in Italy to help the blind and partially sighted access product information in-stores.

The label is the work of Italian food-tech start-up Sistemi e Servizi di Precisione (SISSSPre), and was developed in collaboration with the Blind and Visually Impaired Union of Calabra and the Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economics Analysis (CREA).

Called the ‘Narrative Label’ and founded on a software platform consisting of photos, videos, texts, and voice narration, the project enables the blind and partially sighted to access product information in-store. read more

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