“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ,” reads Galatians 6:2. But how often do we actively step into this and help alleviate the daily struggles of our fellow human beings?
Well, that’s exactly the aim of a new app developed to help blind people complete daily tasks — and it achieves this goal via the virtual assistance of helpful strangers.
“Be My Eyes” employs video call technology to connect visually impaired individuals to allocated volunteers, who then guide them through whatever daily task they are trying to complete.
The process is very simple: the blind or low-vision person requests help and a video call is made. Then, an approved volunteer answers the call and helps them out in any way they can. “A blind or a low-vision user may need help with anything from checking expiry dates, distinguishing colors, reading instructions or navigating new surroundings,” reads the app’s website.
So far, there are almost 2.5 million volunteers engaging in this selfless work, which currently operates in over 150 countries.
The ultimate goal of the app is “to make the world more accessible to people who are blind or have a low level of vision.”
As part of the Community Stories section, the app tells countless real-life tales of how their creation has helped people who may otherwise struggle to complete day-to-day tasks.
“Laundry day is when Be My Eyes really comes in handy for Brittney,” one story reads. “Brittney’s new home has a has a brand new washer and dryer, each with so many different settings that Brittney is still trying to memorize.”
The story continues: “‘Be My Eyes’ is extremely useful to Brittney in helping her familiarize herself with the setting and being certain she’s selected the correct one. The volunteers do not only help her with operating the washer and dryer, they also assist her with picking out the right fabric softener, reading washing instructions on a specific piece of clothing, and even with sorting out her laundry.”
What a fantastic idea! How will you help someone in need today?