​Imagine experiencing the world in a whole new way. Artificial intelligence (AI) is making that a reality for millions of people with low vision and blindness, especially across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.

AI: A Game Changer for the Visually Impaired
AI Eyes: Picture pointing your phone and having it describe the world around you. AI-powered apps like [Envision AI] and [LookTel] are like having a digital seeing eye, helping identify objects and text with ease.

Enhanced Navigation: AI-powered wearables like NOA vests are revolutionizing mobility. Cameras and sensors warn users of obstacles and dangers, increasing confidence and independence when exploring new surroundings.

A World of Rich Description: Apps like Microsoft's Seeing AI use image recognition to paint a more complete picture of the world. They describe entire scenes, including people and their emotions, providing a deeper understanding.

Descriptive Storytelling: Text-to-speech AI like ChatGPT opens a world of literature. It can convert written text into clear audio descriptions, allowing users to enjoy books and articles independently.

The Potential of AI is Boundless
These advancements are opening doors for people with vision loss, fostering greater independence and a more fulfilling life. From navigating daily tasks to experiencing the world around them in new ways, AI is a powerful tool for positive change.

Empowering Our Communities (Supported by Eye-Link Foundation)
The Eye-Link Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to bringing these life-changing technologies to those who need them most in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. We believe everyone deserves to live an independent and fulfilling life, regardless of their sight.

How You Can Help:
Donate: Your contribution helps us provide AI-powered tools and training to people with vision loss.

Volunteer: Share your skills and become a part of our mission.

Spread Awareness: Like and share this post to help others see the possibilities of AI for those with vision loss.

Visit our website at https://www.eye-link.org/ to learn more about our programs and resources, and join us in creating a world where everyone can experience life with confidence and independence.

#AIforGood, #visionlossawareness, #MNVisionLoss, #NDVisionLoss, #WIVisionLoss
#DisabilityRights

Eye-Link North Dakota is excited to announce the addition of new board members Lisa Crosby, Amy Osvold and Laurie Westling. Amy and Laurie are both with North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind and Lisa comes to us as director of Lake Region Heritage Center and Lake Region Arts Center. Welcome Lisa, Amy and Laurie. We greatly appreciate their knowledge and enthusiasm for assisting blind and low vision North Dakotans and look forward to a wondrous 2024 for Eye-Link North Dakota.

The joy of receiving assistive equipment spreads to family members and caregivers! The daughter of a recent grant recipients expresses the critical need for hardware/software packages that have extended or expanded her mother’s remaining vision.

Dear Eye-Link Board,
I am writing to thank you for the use of the LyriQ text to speech reader for my mother. She loves it, and has given her so much freedom. She can now read mail, daily devotions, and other literature without help. Our vision counselor Gena helped us set up the machine, and it is now a permanent fixture on Mom’s side table.

We sincerely appreciate your generosity and compassion.

Sincerely,
Sue T.

Putting assistive equipment into the hands of visually impaired people is Eye-Link’s daily mission, sharing the joy our recipients feel is our reward.

March 27, 2022
Hami Arain

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – A Fargo woman struggling with macular degeneration is looking for devices to make her life easier.

Roberta LeClerc was diagnosed with macular degeneration in 2019 and simple tasks have become impossible as her vision progressively becomes clouded through time.
“It’s a tough thing to accept because first of all, you lose the ability to drive a car which takes away a lot of your freedom. You have to depend on other people to take you whenever you wanna go and during COVID that was bad. Because you weren’t supposed to be with other people, so I never could just jump in the car and go off by myself,” says Leclerc.
Those who have low vision emphasize taking care of your eyes and if you have a condition, to be aware of your current process.
“For families of people with macular, I can’t stress enough the importance of watching their progression and making sure that you’re there to help, you’re there to take any burden off of them because it’s so frustrating to first of all age and then age and not be able to do simple tasks,” says Roberta’s daughter, Ann.
Sanford Health is allowing patients to use a new device to help those with low vision see things more clearly. The IrisVision arrived at Sanford Health last week and is already making an impact for the ones using them who have certain degenerative eye conditions.

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