VIgo4AI

Background

Artificial intelligence is gaining  importance in our working and private lives. The early introduction of this technology will be essential for all people to be able to survive in the social and professional environment of the future. Of course, this also applies in particular to the group of visually impaired people who, due to their sensory impairments, cannot use computers without restrictions or special technical devices. The rapid introduction of this target group to this technology is an essential step towards inclusive participation.

Project goal

The aim of this project is to introduce the target group of visually impaired and blind people and their teachers/trainers to the
utilisation of artificial intelligence (henceforth AI). Various pillars of the application are being pursued for this approach:

1. Use of AI-supported assistive technology apps (e.g. Seeing AI, BeMyEyes AI, etc.) to improve independent living and
   increase quality of life (Supportive utilisation)
2. Effective use of generative AI apps. This includes both AI apps for text generation (e.g. ChatGPT, Google Gemini, etc.)
   and graphics generation (e.g. Fotor, Designs.AI, etc.). (Passive utilisation)
3. Creation of AI-supported chat bots with current chat bot generators (e.g. Freshworks, Chatbase, etc.) (productive
   utilisation)

The aim is to enable the target group to use contemporary digital components of digital change competently.

Survey

In order to gain an overview of how AI is used by visually impaired users and experts in this field, a survey is being conducted until 15 February 2025. We kindly ask all ENVITER members to complete the questionnaire for experts.

It would also be helpful to forward the questionnaire for users to your students or clients.

Although both questionnaires are in English, they can be automatically translated into the local language when using the Firefox browser. During the creation, attention was paid to accessibility. The multiple choice questions can be answered by entering a 1 for yes or 0/ blank  for no. Otherwise, text input fields are used. The QR codes below can be used to answer the questionnaires on a smartphone with Voice Over.