iPhone Donation & Instruction for the Visually Impaired
The Issue
Due to limited resources, Sri Lankan society finds it challenging to accommodate the needs of the disabled. Braille is not commonly available, transportation does not adjust, and libraries and schools rarely adapt, creating an extremely difficult environment. If the necessary technology and services are financially out of reach, the handicapped are left severely compromised.
Our Impact
The iPhone is a tool that allows the visually impaired to complete many actions independently. The built-in softwares of VoiceOver, Siri, and Zoom along with apps such as Seeing AI, Voice Memos, and Google Maps allow blind and low vision persons to read, write, work, travel, shop, and more without assistance.
In collaboration with the DAISY Lanka Foundation, we are donating iPhones to blind and low vision candidates that would most benefit from the devices. We are also instructing the recipients on how to use the assistive softwares.
Our partnership with the DAISY Lanka Foundation, Sri Lanka’s branch of the global DAISY Consortium, an international producer of digital audiobooks and distributor of technology for the visually impaired, will allow for the development of text and audio options for Sinhala speakers.
How You Can Help
100% of your donation goes towards purchasing iPhones for the visually impaired. We would greatly appreciate your contribution.
Invaluable Contributors
Ms. Shalika Karunaratne and Mr. Ashoka Bandula
Updates
In August 2018, we fundraised and donated an iPhone 6S to 10 candidates. We also provided in-person group and individual instruction at the center of the Sri Lanka Council of Visually Handicapped Graduates in Moratuwa.
Two years later, in August 2020, we checked in with the recipients to learn how the iPhones impacted their lives. Read their experiences here: