Appendix VIII. Artificial intelligence tools for BVI Users

Disclaimer

The inclusion of tools in this guideline is intended solely to provide users with examples of AI technologies that can aid in improving accessibility. It is important to note that the effectiveness and compliance of these tools with legal standards, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), may vary.

These tools are not substitutes for robust accessibility practices, thorough testing, and user consultation. Users are encouraged to conduct independent evaluations of these tools to assess their suitability for specific needs. Additionally, concerns have been raised about certain AI-driven accessibility tools, including ongoing criticisms and legal challenges.

This guideline does not endorse any specific product or guarantee compliance with accessibility standards through these tools alone.

1. AccessiBe (AccessWidget)

AccessiBe is an AI-supported web accessibility solution designed to help websites follow the standards of accessibility. It provides tools that automate the process of making websites accessible to people with disabilities and enhances the accessibility of websites as a whole. AccessWidget is a component of AccessiBe’s web accessibility. It’s fundamentally the user interface part of AccessiBe that mostly appears on one of the corners of the webpage.

Installation

  • Directly use in any websites, which are implemented by developers. Refer to the AccessiBe team’s site for more detailed instructions. [Link to installation page]

Features

  • Navigate a website with a screen reader and access all popups, menus, dropdowns, links and forms using keyboard shortcuts (Tab key) with the AI ensuring proper focus and tab order. [Link to page]
  • Provide ALT for images that are embedded text and objects, adjust font sizes, or modify the site’s color contrast to make it easier to read. [Link to page]
  • Provide contextual understanding to identify the purpose of icons or tag accordingly. [Link to page]

2. Be My AI

Be My AI is a feature of Be My Eyes. Be My Eyes is an accessibility tool that assist BVI users to connect themselves with sighted volunteers who can provide visual assistance through live video calls. Furthermore, Be My AI supports AI to enhance the app’s capabilities by providing automated visual assistance.

Installation

Features

  • Get broader and detailed descriptions from image through their smartphone’ camera or screenshots of the page. [Link to page]
  • Handle calls; process Excel spreadsheet formulas; and install software. [Link to page]

3. Envision AI

Envision AI is an app that can assist BVI users by using AI to interpret and describe the visual world. This app offers a variety of features that help users read text, identify objects, recognize people, and navigate their surroundings more independently.

Installation

Features

  • Scan a letter, document, form, or report. [Link to page]
  • Import files or images from their phone. [Link to page]
  • Scan barcode, face recognition, object recognition, and scene recognition. [Link to page]
  • Ask conversational AI assistant about texts/images. [Link to page]
  • Use AI’s feature without holding their phone using Envision Glasses. [Link to page]

4.     Lookout By Google

Lookout by Google is an AI-powered app designed specifically to assist and provide blind and visually impaired (BVI) users with surrounding information by using their phone’s camera.

Installation

Features

  • Scan or read text from images, documents, signs, labels, and other printed materials. [Link to page]
  • Scan barcodes; identify currency; and recognize and describe scenes. [Link to page]