What Are Assistive Technologies for Visual Impairment?
Assistive technologies for visual impairment are tools and devices that help individuals with vision loss perform everyday tasks, improving their quality of life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.2 billion people globally experience visual impairment, with approximately 36 million classified as blind. These solutions include screen readers, braille displays, and wearable devices, addressing the needs of this vast demographic.
Assistive Technologies for Visual Impairment market was valued at USD 125.84 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 134.21 million in 2024, eventually growing to USD 224.58 million by 2032.
USA: A Growing Market for Assistive Technologies for Visual Impairment
The United States is one of the leading markets for assistive technologies. The National Federation of the Blind estimates there are 7.6 million visually impaired adults in the U.S. The country has embraced innovations such as screen magnification software and braille notetakers. For example:
- HumanWare’s BrailleNote Touch Plus combines a braille display with touch-screen technology, empowering visually impaired users to access digital tools.
- The U.S. market also benefits from strong governmental support, with programs like Medicare and Medicaid covering assistive devices.
Regional Market Insights: Assistive Technologies for Visual Impairment
North America
- North America holds a significant market share due to advanced healthcare systems and higher per capita income.
- Fact: Over 20% of visually impaired individuals in North America use screen readers daily.
Europe
- Europe is seeing increased adoption of assistive technologies in education and employment sectors.
- Fact: The European Blind Union estimates that 30 million people in Europe live with sight loss.
Asia-Pacific
- Asia-Pacific is a rapidly growing market due to large populations in countries like India and China.
- Fact: In India alone, 12 million people are blind, creating a high demand for affordable solutions.
Latin America and MEA
- While still developing, these regions are adopting technologies with support from non-profits and international organizations.
- Fact: NGOs in Africa provide over 10,000 braille devices annually to support education.
Global Growth Insights unveils the top List Global Assistive Technologies For Visual Impairment Companies:
Amedia
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Update: Amedia focuses on braille display and magnification devices, catering primarily to the Asian market.
- Fact: Their leading product, Voice Sense, is used by over 100,000 people globally.
Cambium Learning
- Headquarters: Dallas, USA
- Update: Renowned for its educational tools like Kurzweil 3000 for literacy.
- Fact: Their tools are implemented in over 50,000 schools worldwide.
Dolphin Computer Access
- Headquarters: Worcestershire, UK
- Update: Specializes in screen readers and magnification software.
- Fact: Dolphin's SuperNova is used in over 40 countries.
Vispero (formerly VFO)
- Headquarters: St. Petersburg, USA
- Update: Known for JAWS screen reader and braille displays.
- Fact: JAWS has over 1 million users globally.
BAUM Retec
- Headquarters: Freising, Germany
- Update: A pioneer in portable braille devices.
- Fact: Their VarioUltra braille display is one of the most lightweight in the market.
Access Ingenuity
- Headquarters: California, USA
- Update: Focused on integrating assistive tech into workplaces.
- Fact: Access Ingenuity supports over 1,000 enterprises.
American Thermoform
- Headquarters: California, USA
- Update: Specializes in braille embossers and tactile graphics.
- Fact: Their products are used in over 80 countries.
HumanWare
- Headquarters: Quebec, Canada
- Update: Develops innovative magnifiers and braille notetakers.
- Fact: HumanWare's Victor Reader Stream has over 500,000 active users.
LVI Low Vision International
- Headquarters: Växjö, Sweden
- Update: Known for its modular video magnifiers.
- Fact: LVI devices are present in over 100,000 homes.
Freedom Scientific (now part of Vispero)
- Headquarters: Florida, USA
- Update: Provides screen readers and braille devices.
- Fact: Freedom Scientific's JAWS is the most widely used screen reader.
Papenmeier
- Headquarters: Schwerte, Germany
- Update: Produces high-end braille displays.
- Fact: Their displays are used in over 70% of German workplaces for the blind.
Nippon Telesoft
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Update: Offers cutting-edge Japanese braille devices.
- Fact: Nippon Telesoft caters to over 500,000 users in Asia.
Kurzweil Education
- Headquarters: Massachusetts, USA
- Update: Focuses on literacy tools for people with learning and vision disabilities.
- Fact: Kurzweil’s 1000 software is used by 1 million students globally.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Assistive Technologies
With the growing need for accessibility and technological advancements, the assistive technologies market for visual impairment is set to expand significantly. From innovative tools like HumanWare's Connect 12 to groundbreaking software such as JAWS, companies are shaping a more inclusive future. Increased awareness, government support, and private sector participation are critical to ensuring these technologies reach the people who need them most.