Andy Wickham, owner of a local NDIS business, Empower Support, has announced “the future is here”, describing the ARx Vision Gen 1.5 headset as a groundbreaking new tool.
The device is helping his vision impaired client Zac Cheney gain greater independence.
“This AI-enabled talking camera connects seamlessly to Android smartphones through a dedicated app and is a game-changer,” Andy said.
The device converts visual information into real-time audio descriptions. Zac can hear the ARx AI assistant describe
what the camera sees, from identifying people and objects in his path to reading documents like newspaper articles or bank statements and even scans QR and bar codes.
The headset goes even further, allowing Zac to ask questions like, “can you summarise this article?” or “what are the breakfast options on this menu?”.
Lightweight and designed for hands-free use and worn like a small Bluetooth headset, the ARx unit is portable and fits seamlessly into Zac’s everyday life, empowering him to navigate his surroundings with confidence.
The unit which was purchased through Vision Australia under the NDIS scheme is a complete game changer for Zac, who is the first person in East Gippsland to use the device.
“It increases my independence and confidence to get out,” Zac said.
“I don’t have to get mum to read my mail and it instantly identifies objects as I walk down the street. It has a Scene Mode, Document Mode, Barcode and QR code reader, if I am reading a menu it can choose, for example, meals under a certain price or category,” he said.
Andy said when Zac first walked down the main street of his home town of Orbost with the device it could tell him everything about his surrounds.
“It can identify a lady and tell Zac if she is smiling. When he looked at the sign at the gym it gave information of prices and times open, this technology is amazing and it is all hands free which is important,” Andy said.
“I am so happy for Zac, he is the most positive and resilient person I have met with such a great attitude.”
Zac and Andy are keen for others in their area to know about this appliance and urge them to sign up to get emails from Vision Australia or go to their website, as it is a good way to keep up with new products.
