Be My Eyes is a free smartphone app that allows blind and low-vision users to connect to a global network of sighted volunteers and partner companies. With more than 300,000 blind and low-vision users and almost 5 million volunteers, Be My Eyes is the largest community of visually impaired people and one of the biggest micro-volunteering platforms in the world.
The app that took home both an Apple Design Award and a Webby Award this year has been working on partnering with companies and organizations from all over the world, to give blind and low-vision users the best support possible. In the UK, new partners include AbilityNet and NHS Track & Trace, joining other partners such as Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), Clearblue Pregnancy and Fertility tests and worldwide tech giants Google and Microsoft.
Support with At-Home COVID Tests
If the past year and a half has taught us anything, it is to make sure that we’re all staying healthy and to give everyone access to accessible testing. In collaboration with the UK Department of Health and Social Care, NHS Track & Trace is available through Be My Eyes for blind and low-vision users in the UK.
The NHS Track and Trace team offers support with at-home COVID tests, to make sure that citizens living with sight loss can take a test from the comfort of their own home. The NHS Track & Trace team can support with anything from ordering your test to giving instructions on how to take the test and send it to the lab – making sure that visually impaired citizens don’t experience any access issues with their home tests.
Tech Support From AbilityNet
If you’re not tech savvy, figuring out how to use all the different devices can definitely be a challenge. Luckily, AbilityNet is here to help.
AbilityNet is a UK charity supporting visually impaired users, older and disabled people, as well as their carers access the digital world. They can assist with any technology related questions such as setting up new devices, troubleshooting tech issues, and what type of device to choose.
Get Be My Eyes
Both NHS Track & Trace, AbilityNet and all other partners are available in the Specialized Help menu in the Be My Eyes app. And of course, the global network of volunteers is available for visual support 24/7. Whether you are blind or have low vision, or you want to sign up as a sighted volunteer, you can download Be My Eyes from App Store or Google Play and become a part of the community.
