Imagine sitting at your desk, staring at a computer screen filled with lines of varying lengths, some broken in places. These lines are sentences you can't read. What now? Dive into our latest blog to discover how assistive technology is transforming the lives of those who face this challenge every day.

The Erasmus+ project KISS: intro 2 AT 4 VIPs is revolutionizing assistive technology by making it more understandable and user-friendly for everyone. This innovative initiative is particularly beneficial for visually impaired persons who rely on assistive technology in their daily lives and work. By providing a free Handbook on Employment of Visually Impaired persons in different languages and formats, as well as clear and concise video lessons on using assistive technology, the project aims to empower users with practical knowledge and skills, enabling them to navigate their environments and access information with greater ease and confidence.

Offline assistive technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the independence and quality of life for blind and partially sighted persons. Among the most widely used offline tools are white canes and braille devices. White canes, a symbol of independence, help users navigate their surroundings by detecting obstacles and changes in terrain. Braille devices, such as braille books and braille embossers, enable users to read and write tactilely. These tools are essential for education and daily communication, allowing individuals to access information and express themselves.

Another popular offline assistive technology is magnifiers. Magnifiers come in various forms, from handheld magnifiers to electronic magnifiers, and are designed to enlarge text and images for those with low vision. These devices are portable and easy to use, making them convenient for everyday tasks like reading, writing, and viewing photographs. Additionally, tactile markers and labels are commonly used to help blind and partially sighted individuals identify objects and navigate their environment. These markers can be placed on household items, appliances, and even clothing, providing a simple yet effective way to enhance accessibility and independence in daily life.

Online assistive technology has revolutionized the way blind and partially sighted persons interact with the world. Virtual and AI assistants like Be My Eyes and Envision AI provide real-time assistance with daily tasks, from reading street signs to describing environments. These tools leverage the power of live video calls and advanced AI to offer immediate support, enhancing independence and confidence. These technologies are invaluable for navigating daily life and accessing information seamlessly.

Screen readers are another essential category of online assistive technology. Programs like Narrator, NVDA, and JAWS enable visually impaired users to interact with digital content through auditory feedback. These tools read aloud text displayed on screens, allowing users to navigate websites, write documents, and use applications independently. NVDA, an open-source screen reader, is particularly popular due to its extensive community support and add-ons that enhance its functionality. JAWS, a commercial screen reader, offers powerful features like optical character recognition (OCR) and a proprietary voice assistant, making it a robust choice for professional use. These screen readers are crucial for ensuring digital accessibility and empowering visually impaired persons to engage fully with technology.

Therefore, Croatian, Spanish, and Slovenian partners agreed on 9 assistive tools that were recorded and are being prepared in 4 languages for wide distribution. Follow the official website to be the first to check out our KISS video lessons, and in the meantime, check out our KISS Handbook!

*This project is co-funded with the support of the European Commission under the reference number: 2023-1-HR01-KA210-ADU-000160133. The information and views set out in this document are those of the authors(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the European Commission. Neither the European Union institutions not any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained their in.