Sometimes it feels that we’re not using technology to its full potential. Imagine if the human race had put the effort it put into Candy Crush Saga sequel, Candy Crush Soda into something more worthwhile to humanity instead. Perhaps there are lots of real world problems we could solve with technology if we only put our minds and skills to them.
So it’s good to hear that some people are using the latest tech to help others. A round of applause to Hans Jørgen Wiberg and the Robocat team who have created app Be My Eyes for the sighted community to help the blind community.
![Context_Blind_wide [Sigthed model]_Credits Thelle Kristensen](https://www.noodlelive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Context_Blind_wide-Sigthed-model_Credits-Thelle-Kristensen.jpg)
What is it?
Be My Eyes is an app that connects blind people with volunteer helpers from around the world via live video chat.
Through his work at the “Danish Blind Society” founder Hans Jørgen Wiberg who is visually impaired himself, recognised that blind people often need help to cope with smaller everyday tasks, where a “pair of eyes” could make a significant difference
When a blind person is in need of some assistance, perhaps with reading a best before/expiry date or in navigating new surroundings, they simply request assistance using the Be My Eyes app. A volunteer receives a request for help and a connection is made, starting a video chat. Using the video, the volunteer can provide the assistance required.
Be My Eyes – helping blind see from Be My Eyes on Vimeo.
Why use it?
Founder of Be My Eyes, Hans Jørgen Wiberg who is visually impaired himself says:
“It’s my hope that by helping each other as an online community, Be My Eyes will make a big difference in the everyday lives of blind people all over the world”
If you feel like you could help why not lend your eyes to the blind? You can join a network of volunteers, collect points for your help and most importantly be part of a real change in people’s lives.
So tell me more…
Be My Eyes is a non-profit, they just want to make the biggest difference possible for blind people so the app is free for anyone – blind or sighted – to download.
Since launching in January 2015, it’s been really popular – over 160,000 sighted people have downloaded the app and there are currently 10 x as many sighted volunteers as blind or visually impaired people! So there may be a bit of a wait to help your first person.
Founder Hans Jørgen Wiberg at TEDxCopenhagen:
Should I download it?
If you’re looking for a more hands on way to help people more often, Be My Eyes might not be for you. For that, maybe try Action for Blind People who work with RNIB.
But if you’d like to just help a little bit and put your technology into use, it’s well worth a download.
We’re still waiting to be called into action, so don’t expect instantaneous notifications, however it’s encouraging to see that blind people have been helped on over 60,000 occasions since the app launched, so it’s definitely working.
Currently only available for Apple devices.
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This post was written by Thom Feeney, Marketing Manager at Noodle Live