Technology is Making the World More Accessible to Those With Visual Impairments

Image Credit: Penguin Random House

In his 2023 book "The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight," Andrew Leland documents how his life changed as his vision diminished. In his book, he writes, "The primary problem of blindness is access to information."

In early 2024, Leland discussed with 1A how having low vision changed his relationship with technology and how AI-powered apps allow the blind and those with significant visual impairments to navigate the world and live more independently.

In the show, Leland, Chancey Fleet, the assistive technology coordinator at the New York Public Library, and host Jen White, explore blindness, accessibility, and tech.

Further Reading

1. Listen to the full segment on WAMU's 1A

2. Link to Andrew Leland's book, with an excerpt read by the author

3. Andrew Leland's Interview on NPR's Fresh Air in 2023