When wanting to shop for anything, there is often nothing better than going to a store and checking it out for yourself.
I know when I go to buy things that I want or need, I read the contents as well as handle them to see if I want to buy things or my list. Sometimes, things that I buy are not even on my list, but after seeing it, I either need it or want it.
If a person has low vision or is blind, how does shopping independently work? One might suggest that someone just rely on another to do the footwork to make life easier. For others, such as me, who have a few friends who are low vision and blind, I know that they want to go shopping for things that they want and need for themselves.
Thanks to the mega-store Walmart, shopping and knowing precisely what you are getting are becoming a reality for my friends.
Walmart just rolled out an application called Aira!
Aira is a mobile application that allows a person who’s blind or has low vision to be connected with an interpreter. Talk about a game-changer. If an individual decides to use the application, they’ll no longer need a person whom they have to ask how much an item costs, how many calories are in it, or whether the item they picked up is Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch Doritos. This is important because when you are spending your money and want a particular snack, you want to make sure you are making the right purchase.
I know this application will not solve all the issues around people with low vision or blindness wanting to shop independently. There will probably always be a need for someone to assist in the personal aspect of shopping, whether it be transportation to get to and from the store, someone to carry groceries, or someone to serve as a guide and pick up items off the shelf. There will most likely be an issue that one has to work out regarding this subject matter.
Although there are issues when someone has low vision or is blind around shopping, I still like this application. I’m a glass-half-full type of woman. I try to find the good in everything, no matter what it is. With this being said, I love the thought of the application providing independence in some capacity to my friends who need it.
As always, I’m happy to see society trying to improve inclusion. The only way to make positive changes is to try, and I think we’re on the right track.