I completely agree with the views expressed by Mr. Anirudh Rao. Nowadays, mobile phones have become increasingly expensive, and for a visually impaired person, using a mobile phone while walking on busy roads in a city like Delhi can pose significant safety and security risks. Carrying and operating a mobile phone in hand while navigating crowded roads may increase the possibility of the device being snatched or stolen. Therefore, depending entirely on mobile applications for outdoor mobility may not be practical or advisable in a densely populated and congested city like Delhi. Visually impaired persons may require safer and more reliable alternatives for outdoor navigation and mobility. However, the use of mobile applications for navigation and assistance can be relatively practical in controlled indoor environments such as malls, banks, restaurants, hotels and similar premises, where the surroundings are comparatively secure and manageable.
On Wed, Sep 23, 2026 at 12:52 PM suresh meghwanshi <[email protected]> wrote: > Dear all, > > I have been following this insightful discussion and agree with many of > the practical challenges highlighted by Anirudh, Shankar, and George. Road > noise, unpredictable connectivity, and safety concerns indeed make relying > solely on video calls challenging in Indian conditions. > > However, the core need goes beyond just outdoor navigation or mobile video > assistance. A truly effective solution for our community could be a hybrid > model combining two complementary services: > > 1. Remote Visual Assistance: Quick video-based support for reading > documents, identifying objects, or managing brief visual tasks where > instant visual input is needed. > > 2. On-Demand In-Person Support: A verified companion or assistant booking > service for occasions when family members are unavailable or cannot > accompany us. This would be invaluable for critical outings like visiting > hospitals, handling bank work, navigating crowded government offices, or > attending social functions independently. > > With proper background verification, sensitivity training, and a fair > compensation structure, such a model can address genuine accessibility > challenges while ensuring safety and dignity for everyone involved. > > Best regards, > Suresh Meghwanshi > > On Wed, Sep 23, 2026 11:39 AM, anirudh rao <[email protected]> > wrote: > >> dear shankar, >> I completely agree. >> however, I believe one who does it for money cannot be called a volunteer. >> it is a job network then. >> or rather a freelancer one. >> >> On Wed, Sep 23, 2026 at 9:42 AM Shankar C <[email protected]> >> wrote: >> >>> Hi Anirudh, >>> I understand your frustration. >>> No technology can completely replace actual vision. >>> I recently tried using Be My Eyes on the Meta glasses to identify a shop >>> by requesting assistance from a volunteer. However, due to poor network >>> connectivity, the volunteer was unable to help me. >>> Similarly, the Money Reader feature could not accurately help me >>> identify the cash at the shop. >>> Instead of relying only on a mobile app, I believe there could be a >>> nationwide, volunteer-based solution that connects visually impaired people >>> with trained volunteers when assistance is needed. Such a service could >>> also help mainstream society better understand the needs and experiences of >>> people with disabilities. >>> It could also create employment opportunities by providing paid >>> volunteer roles for people who are interested in supporting visually >>> impaired users. >>> This could be developed as a paid service, with appropriate parental >>> controls and safety features to protect both volunteers and visually >>> impaired users, particularly when the service involves parents or minors. >>> I believe this approach could complement existing assistive technologies >>> and provide more reliable real-world support. >>> On Wed, Sep 23, 2026 at 8:36 AM anirudh rao <[email protected]> >>> wrote: >>> >>>> Why would anyone depend on a mobile application when the help is needed >>>> in real time? >>>> just thinking. >>>> With all honking and literally playing DJs on Indian roads, are we >>>> actually in a condition to use mobile phone in India for mobility? >>>> and that too pay for it when we are not at all able to hear what the >>>> other person said? >>>> do not label me unprogressive for this email. >>>> I could better appreciate you using an AI and could write a long email >>>> without making any sense in reality. >>>> but, my friend, I want to be critical and being closer to reality is >>>> the need for our community. >>>> >>>> On Tue, Sep 22, 2026 at 11:59 AM <[email protected]> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Good thinking. However, doesn’t “Be my Eyes” provide the same >>>>> service? >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> *From:* [email protected] <[email protected]> >>>>> *On Behalf Of *Aishwarya Pillai >>>>> *Sent:* 22 September 2026 11:46 >>>>> *To:* accessindia <[email protected]> >>>>> *Subject:* [AI] Visual Assistance survey >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Hi All, >>>>> Sharing this on behalf of a friend, Khaizar Zaidi. >>>>> Sometimes we don't need an escort. We just need someone to see for us. >>>>> ❤️ >>>>> >>>>> Many of us may have heard of Aira, which provides visual assistance >>>>> through video calls. I'm exploring whether a similar service could be >>>>> built >>>>> specifically for the Indian blind community — with local languages, >>>>> affordable pricing and trained visual assistants who are themselves people >>>>> with disabilities. >>>>> >>>>> Imagine being able to attend a wedding alone, travel independently, >>>>> find your bus or train, understand a buffet, navigate an unfamiliar place, >>>>> identify someone, or handle a quick visual task — and simply connect with >>>>> someone when you need those extra eyes. >>>>> >>>>> And there's another side to this: your payment can also create a >>>>> flexible, meaningful earning opportunity for another person with a >>>>> disability who may face barriers to traditional employment. >>>>> >>>>> I'm not building anything yet. First, I want to understand whether we >>>>> actually need it, would use it and would be willing to pay for it. >>>>> >>>>> If you've ever thought, "I just wish someone could see this for me >>>>> right now," please take 2–3 minutes to fill out this short form. >>>>> >>>>> Your response will help determine whether this becomes a real service. >>>>> >>>>> https://forms.gle/SyscFZLz42ZJVsA96 >>>>> >>>>> With regards, >>>>> Aishwarya >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> Disclaimer: >>>>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking >>>>> of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its >>>>> veracity; >>>>> >>>>> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the >>>>> mails sent through this mailing list.. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Search for old postings at: >>>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>>>> --- >>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>> Groups "AccessIndia" group. >>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>>>> an email to [email protected]. >>>>> To view this discussion visit >>>>> https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAN1woN7tx7iOF5U%2BTbm3Z-xBNzcsJ1UmmRXdvEYc4RpPczM1sQ%40mail.gmail.com >>>>> <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAN1woN7tx7iOF5U%2BTbm3Z-xBNzcsJ1UmmRXdvEYc4RpPczM1sQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>> . >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> Disclaimer: >>>>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking >>>>> of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its >>>>> veracity; >>>>> >>>>> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the >>>>> mails sent through this mailing list.. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Search for old postings at: >>>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>>>> --- >>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>> Groups "AccessIndia" group. >>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>>>> an email to [email protected]. >>>>> To view this discussion visit >>>>> https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/00fc01dd4a5b%24acb97ea0%24062c7be0%24%40gmail.com >>>>> <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/00fc01dd4a5b%24acb97ea0%24062c7be0%24%40gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>>> . >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> "every human is disabled because, none has got the wings to fly". >>>> Anirudh Rao >>>> your intellectual comrade. >>>> call/whatsapp me at 8277012082 >>>> join on Skype: anirudhrao3 >>>> if you just wish to be a facebook friend: >>>> click >>>> >>>> https://m.facebook.com/anirudh.rao.7731/about?lst=100005148125152%3A100005148125152%3A1563341090&refid=17 >>>> and send a request. >>>> Thank you >>>> Anirudh Rao. >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Disclaimer: >>>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking >>>> of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its >>>> veracity; >>>> >>>> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the >>>> mails sent through this mailing list.. >>>> >>>> >>>> Search for old postings at: >>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>>> --- >>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>> Groups "AccessIndia" group. >>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>>> an email to [email protected]. >>>> To view this discussion visit >>>> https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAF6avGj6qcGmo1p_dqzHHYxkTMAcritfrwHvFyn7NtmVHqvOmg%40mail.gmail.com >>>> <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAF6avGj6qcGmo1p_dqzHHYxkTMAcritfrwHvFyn7NtmVHqvOmg%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>> . >>>> >>> -- >>> Disclaimer: >>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of >>> the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; >>> >>> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the >>> mails sent through this mailing list.. >>> >>> >>> Search for old postings at: >>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>> --- >>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>> Groups "AccessIndia" group. >>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>> an email to [email protected]. >>> To view this discussion visit >>> https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAKwMOJ3%2BKn%2BugUS28XzPuBV0d7VnaoeCqmKgzR7Jz8EMuCJX7A%40mail.gmail.com >>> <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAKwMOJ3%2BKn%2BugUS28XzPuBV0d7VnaoeCqmKgzR7Jz8EMuCJX7A%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> . >>> >> >> >> -- >> "every human is disabled because, none has got the wings to fly". >> Anirudh Rao >> your intellectual comrade. >> call/whatsapp me at 8277012082 >> join on Skype: anirudhrao3 >> if you just wish to be a facebook friend: >> click >> >> https://m.facebook.com/anirudh.rao.7731/about?lst=100005148125152%3A100005148125152%3A1563341090&refid=17 >> and send a request. >> Thank you >> Anirudh Rao. >> >> -- >> Disclaimer: >> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of >> the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; >> >> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the >> mails sent through this mailing list.. >> >> >> Search for old postings at: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >> --- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "AccessIndia" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to [email protected]. >> To view this discussion visit >> https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAF6avGhyAT7PwOZZFJwhcw1_UpwUXZdmmE9bxQ4poPhivkGaSw%40mail.gmail.com >> <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAF6avGhyAT7PwOZZFJwhcw1_UpwUXZdmmE9bxQ4poPhivkGaSw%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> . >> > -- > Disclaimer: > 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of > the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; > > 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails > sent through this mailing list.. > > > Search for old postings at: > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ > --- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "AccessIndia" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion visit > https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAEBbNWxZ%3DE56p1wwTUCeVg9P4RRFSA_KqK47DHXoPNa9j8Mz3g%40mail.gmail.com > <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAEBbNWxZ%3DE56p1wwTUCeVg9P4RRFSA_KqK47DHXoPNa9j8Mz3g%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- Vivek Doddamani Ph-9868954833 & 7011740648 skype: vivek.doddamani, FB: vivek doddamani. 105, Lancer Road, Near Mall Road, Delhi-110054. -- Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list.. Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "AccessIndia" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CANYGqbjEsc6WX6pvx2F5e%3DuavtNQVVF9AjfPXn5KR4djHb4LdQ%40mail.gmail.com.
