The advent of technology has undeniably transformed the way we live, work, and connect with the world. However, for people with vision impairment (VI), this digital revolution may pose unique challenges, especially for those who lose their sight later in life. Accustomed to relying on their vision, some may encounter difficulties in adapting to assistive technology. The learning curve also involves overcoming psychological barriers, including the fear of making mistakes or feeling overwhelmed by the unfamiliarity of the digital realm.

The consequences of this technological disparity extend beyond just mere inconvenience. It can lead to increased isolation, diminished access to information, and limited participation in social and economic activities.

With the support of the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) Digital for Life Fund, Guide Dogs Singapore (GDS) aims to bridge the digital gap by empowering individuals with VI with the knowledge and skills to make the most out of assistive technology, enhancing their participation in their daily lives.

Our trainers organise a diverse range of IT workshops and courses, both in-person and virtual, catering to users with varying levels of technological proficiency. Additionally, our trainers are introducing podcasts designed to support self-directed learning in digital abilities specifically tailored for people with blindness or have low vision. This includes tasks such as making transactions and searching for information online. Furthermore, GDS will be implementing peer mentorship programmes, where those who require additional assistance will be paired with experienced user. The programme seeks to cultivate a supportive and nurturing learning environment, ensuring that every vision impaired individual gains an understanding of how digital technologies can enhance everyday life.

The Digital for Life Fund provides funding for digital inclusion projects, empowering organisations like GDS with the resources needed to create meaningful solutions to build a digitally inclusive society for all Singaporeans. The goal is to promote digital well-being and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age. The VI community at GDS will experience significant benefits through this assistive technology fund as their training fee will be subsidised for up to five sessions, allowing them to delve in-depth into learning assistive technology.

Visit www.digitalforlife.gov.sg to find out more about the Digital for Life movement and how you can play a part.

DBS Foundation is one of the donors to the Digital for Life Fund and a sponsor of the ‘Enabling the Vision Impaired through Technology’ project by Guide Dogs Singapore.

About DBS Foundation

The DBS Foundation is committed to uplifting lives and livelihoods by igniting change in businesses and communities.

Since 2014, the DBS Foundation has been championing social enterprises in Asia, businesses that are for profit, and impact. The Business for Impact chapter now catalyses the growth of innovative, purpose-driven businesses, including SMEs, designed to address pressing issues facing our planet and society.

In 2022, the DBS Foundation raised the bar with the formation of a new Community Impact chapter, to equip the underserved with digital and financial literacy skills to face the future with confidence, and enable communities to be more food secure and resilient. Our vision is to spark collective action, together with our partners and DBS People of Purpose, to help build a better world for generations today and tomorrow.

A woman is seen holding her phone and speaking into it, while sitting across from a man who is also holding his phone.

Smartphones have revolutionised the way we communicate and access information, and they have also become an essential piece of assistive technology for people with vision impairment (VI) to enhance their daily activities and participation. We are pleased to introduce a web-based toolkit specifically designed to provide comprehensive training and learning support for individuals with VI and their caregivers. In partnership with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), this is part of an initiative under the Digital for Life movement. This innovative toolkit has been co-designed in collaboration with researchers, a dedicated group of trainers and clients with lived experience from GDS.

Our aim is to empower individuals with VI by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make the most out of smartphone assistive technology and enhance their participation in their daily life.

GUIDE.ME. – A study by Singapore Management University

GUIDE.ME., a nationwide study helmed by Singapore Management University’s (SMU) Senior Lecturer of Statistics, Ms Rosie Chng, gave us insights to the perceptions and views of people with vision impairment,and their mobility challenges in Singapore.

The study involved interviewing 3,733 sighted and legally blind Singaporeans across all postal codes in Singapore. These are the findings:

Perceptions

• Almost half of the legally blind survey respondents (49%) do not feel they can be open about their vision impairment as they perceive others find them to be less competent than usual because of their vision loss,
  and that others feel awkward when they are around them
• 45% of the legally blind survey respondents say they experience a sense of rejection, five times higher than the 9% of the sighted survey respondents who say they reject the blind

Public Transport and Mobility

• 9 in ten survey respondents think that the public transport system should be more inclusive and efficient for the vision-impaired community
• Half of the legally blind survey respondents think that the current rate of improvement of transport amenities is not good enough for them
• Almost 65% of the legally blind respondents need a guide or public assistance when travelling
• 6 in ten legally blind respondents face challenges when they ask for help in their mobility needs
• When asked to choose the best mobility aid, the legally blind respondents chose “human guide” as their top choice, followed by “handphone with GPS or transport app” as a close second choice
• 66% of the legally blind respondents feel lonely more often than usual during the pandemic

We thank SMU, Ms Rosie Chng and the students who have contributed immensely to the study. The insights will be helpful for GDS to craft the contents of our programme and services as well as outreach and advocacy efforts.

Chia Hong Sen, a GDS client demonstrating a smart cane to navigate the exhibition. Source: The Straits Times

Collaboration with National Museum of Singapore and Nanyang Polytechnic – Accessibility in Museums

In 2021, Guide Dogs Singapore (GDS) collaborated with the National Museum of Singapore (NMS) and Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) to bring accessibility to the museum. A pilot smart cane was developed by NYP to assist vision impaired guests to navigate independently in the multi-sensory exhibition “Home, Truly: Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present”. The cane was paired to a web application that provided a customised descriptive audio tour coupled with navigational instructions. For NYP to understand a vision impaired user’s wayfinding and incorporate that into a smart cane’s functions, GDS provided user and trainer feedback. We also provided training to NMS volunteers, including their Care Facilitators who are trained to support the museum’s access programmes.

We continue to collaborate with community partners to enhance the quality of life for people with vision impairment and ensure they have equal access and participation in the society.

From streaming the latest television series to attending virtual classes and having e-gatherings with loved ones, much of our lives take place in the online sphere. However, while digital advancements have made the world more convenient for many of us, for groups like persons with visual impairment, benefitting from technology isn’t quite as easy as just tapping a screen.

With the support of IMDA’s Digital for Life Fund, the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and Guide Dogs Singapore (GDS) work together on one such project to formulate an effective training and learning resource toolkit for persons with visual impairment.

Divided into two phases, the project first includes the beneficiaries themselves as partners during the co-design process, allowing the SIT and GDS research team to truly grasp their needs and develop the toolkit with specific difficulties in mind. Phase two, slated to begin in early 2023 will see the toolkit thoroughly evaluated by stakeholders and further improved until it is ready for public release.