Advancing Accessibility: Augmented Reality Solutions for the Blind and Disabled in Bangladesh

TL;DR

This paper reviews global AR solutions for the visually impaired and explores their potential adaptation and implementation in Bangladesh, highlighting challenges and opportunities for enhancing accessibility.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of AR technologies for the visually impaired and discusses their potential application and scalability in Bangladesh.

Findings

AR applications improve independence and mobility for the visually impaired.

Limited infrastructure hinders AR adoption in Bangladesh.

Growing smartphone penetration offers opportunities for AR deployment.

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) technology holds immense potential to transform the lives of blind and disabled individuals by offering enhanced interaction with their surroundings and providing real-time, accessible information. Globally, AR applications are being developed with features such as audio descriptions of environments, object recognition, and navigational aids, specifically designed to support the visually impaired. These innovations are paving the way for increased independence, mobility, and overall quality of life for millions of people worldwide. In Bangladesh, the adoption of AR technology for the blind and disabled is still in its early stages, primarily due to limited accessibility resources and infrastructure challenges. However, with the growing penetration of smartphones and continuous advancements in AR technologies, there is a promising opportunity for these solutions to be adapted, localized, and scaled within the country. This paper reviews the current state of AR technologies for the visually impaired on a global scale, explores their potential application in Bangladesh, and delves into the challenges and opportunities for broader implementation in this context.