SPAVIS: Mobile Application for Visually Impaired Based on Assistive Software and Volunteerism

Abstract

Sri Lankan population accounts up to almost one million visually impaired individuals out of which are mostly students and young individuals. As the educational structure for the visually impaired improves with funds, blind schools, and free education, assistance with minute needs for most visually impaired individuals comes at a cost. There are many assistive technologies, such as audio books, screen magnifiers, braille books, and screen readers, prevalent around the island. However, there are several limitations to these technologies, mainly their availability and affordability. In Sri Lanka, many individuals, societies, clubs, and many more are willing to volunteer to help those in need, even those that require physical attention. As much as it is anticipated to aid those in need, there is very little attention to the ways it can be done. Hence, this research provides a way to develop a user-friendly mobile application with assistive software and volunteerism to aid visually impaired students with their daily needs.