FEATURES OF APPLICATION OF ELECTRONIC MEANS OF COMMUNICATION IN THE SYSTEM OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND PEOPLE

Abstract

Purpose – to analyze the electronic applications for mobile phones’, watches’ and personal computers’ functionality, which were designed and adapted specifically for needs and capabilities of visual impaired and blind users.
Materials and methods. The are 270 people with disabilities aged 18 to 46 who had severe visual impairment or blindness who were participated in our research.
They underwent a course of physical therapy on the basis of the Western Rehabilitation and Sports Center of the National Committee of Disabled Sports of Ukraine (Yavoriv village, Turkiv district, Lviv region from 2016 to 2020. The number of visually impaired consumers is 167 people (61.9%), blind – 103 people (38.2%). The disability of the first group had 205 people (75.9%), the second group – 65 people (24.1%). There are 145 women (53.7%) and 125 men (46.3%) were included in physical therapy process. There were 30 rehabilitators aged from 17 to 21 (11.11%), 220 in the age group 22–35 (81.48%), and 20 in the age group 36–55 (7.41%). The mean age of patients was 28.6±5.12 years. The duration of courses for rehabilitational and sports training was two weeks in summer and winter, except for the summer of 2020.
Results. The electronic applications’ and digital technologies’ functional capabilities for the visually impaired and blind are investigated was developed. The “Be My Eyes” program has been developed to communicate with volunteers and seek help from an outsider. The “MCT Money Reader” application was developed to recognize banknotes from around the world. The "TalkBack" and "VoiceOver" applications are designed to sound the phone screen and all tactile manipulations of the user. The “Voice Dream Reader” application is used to read e-books in audio format. The “Lazarillo GPS for Blind” satellite navigation application helps you map, select and adjust the required route and navigate the terrain. The “Envision” visual object recognition application allows you to distinguish, describe and understand what is depicted and the photo. Liquid level indicators for the blind allow you to prepare a drink without spilling liquid, preventing household burns. Electronic kitchen gadgets allow you to easily cook and use all the necessary tools. The digital marker-dictaphone "Touch Memo" helps visually impaired and blind people to find the household items they need. The latest sports simulators in combination with smart watches allow you to control and monitor the health of their owner.
Conclusions. A modern visually impaired or blind person, carrying a smartphone with the right set of necessary programs, becomes confident, independent of outside help and unnecessary contacts with strangers. With the benefits of the digital industry, you can shop, do housework, take care of children, work, read, listen to music, socialize with friends, travel around the city and travel, play sports and monitor your own health.