5. Enhancing the Quality of Life for the Blind Through Smart Tools(Ali S. Haleem).

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Technology plays a significant role in improving the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments, as smart tools now provide advanced solutions that assist the blind in performing daily tasks more effectively. Blind individuals no longer face the same traditional challenges, as they can now use smartphone applications to read texts, identify colors, recognize faces, and even navigate public spaces.<br />One of the most important smart tools that has revolutionized the lives of the blind is smart glasses equipped with cameras and artificial intelligence software. These glasses analyze the surrounding environment and convert visual information into audio commands, helping the user navigate and interact with their surroundings without requiring assistance from others. Furthermore, advanced applications such as Microsoft's "Seeing AI" offer the ability to read both printed and digital texts, making it easier for the blind to browse books and documents.<br />Additionally, the development of voice assistants, such as Alexa and Siri, has improved the independence of blind individuals in performing household tasks, such as setting alarms, sending messages, and controlling smart home devices. Specialized applications also enable blind individuals to request help from online volunteers, where they can direct their camera at something and have a sighted person describe it to them in real-time.<br />Despite these advancements, challenges still remain for individuals with visual impairments, such as the high cost of some advanced technologies and their limited availability in certain countries. However, continued investment in the development of affordable smart tools will help empower the blind and enhance their independence in the near future.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq.<br />