New technology assists blind people while shopping
Claire Sisk from Hertford says the technology will be a gamechanger
A ground-breaking piece of technology is being introduced to the freezer aisle of supermarkets to help blind and partially sighted people with their shopping.
How does it work?
The NaviLens is a smartphone app which is able to read out the product after scanning a QR Code on the packaging.
The audio messaging is also able to read out the brand, nutritional information, preparation instructions, ingredients, allergens and recycling information.
Where does it work?
So far, this technology will only initially work on a small range of Aunt Bessie products such as yorkshire puddings and roast potatoes. But it's hoped that it will soon be available on other products and other brands too.
To bring this about, the food company partnered with Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) who say there are currently 2 million people in the UK living with severe sight loss. Of those registered blind, 9 in 10 said accessing information on food packaging was difficult or impossible.
Research also found that 40% of people with sight loss said they were less likely to be able to go shopping independently, that's compared to 13% of the average UK population.
"People will often buy the wrong product"
Claire Sisk, from Hertford, is a disability advocate and content creator who goes by 'canseecantsee' on Instagram and Tiktok.
When asked about the challenges blind and partially sighted people face she said: "you've got such a contrast of colours on the packaging, and with the bright lights in the store, you can't always read what's on the packaging.
"Quite a lot of people will often buy the wrong product and it's really challenging and really frustrating."
But she said things are getting better and she hoped: "everyone will adopt this NaviLens technology on their packaging, and not just in the freezer aisle but all aisles.
"Because you could then go food shopping independently without anybody going with you and without having to ask a member of staff for help."