AppleVis Saved by Be My Eyes

In a recent episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven and Shaun welcomed two special guests to discuss a pivotal moment in the blind technology community: the saving of AppleVis, a key resource for blind and visually impaired users. Bryan Bashin, vice-chair of Be My Eyes, and Hans-Jürgen Wiberg, co-founder of Be My Eyes, joined the show to talk about why and how Be My Eyes stepped in to save AppleVis from closure.

AppleVis: A Lifeline for the Blind Community

Bryan Bashin explained the motivation behind Be My Eyes’ involvement, highlighting the personal importance of AppleVis in his life and in the lives of countless others. As a blind person, Bashin emphasized how critical the site has been for iPhone and iOS users seeking accessible technology resources. “AppleVis is the go-to source,” he stated, expressing how devastated many users felt when news broke that the site could not continue without support.

Bashin and Wiberg both recognized the alignment between the missions of AppleVis and Be My Eyes, which made the partnership a natural fit. Both organizations provide free access to their communities, focus on independence, and have a strong volunteer ethos. AppleVis, built and sustained by volunteers over the years, resonated with the Be My Eyes team, which is also founded on the power of volunteerism. The pair explained how Be My Eyes realized that no other organizations were prepared to take over the stewardship of AppleVis, leading them to take on the responsibility themselves.

The Future of AppleVis Under Be My Eyes

When asked about concerns from the community regarding possible changes to AppleVis, both guests reassured listeners that there were no plans to drastically alter the site. Bashin and Wiberg stressed that the current volunteer leadership would remain in charge of moderation and administration, maintaining AppleVis’s editorial independence. While there may be minor developments down the line, any changes would only enhance the platform’s accessibility and usability, rather than detract from its core mission.

Wiberg also touched on the potential for integrating AppleVis directly into the Be My Eyes app, making it even easier for blind and visually impaired users to access resources seamlessly. He noted that the two platforms share a common goal of making technology accessible to the global blind community, and this partnership would ensure both continue to thrive.

Addressing Concerns: Trolling and Moderation

One of the challenges David Goodwin, the founder of AppleVis, faced before stepping down was the rise of trolling and negative comments on the site. Bashin acknowledged that managing community behavior in such a vital space is a delicate balance, but he emphasized the importance of fostering respectful conversations. He mentioned that Be My Eyes had years of experience dealing with similar issues and would work closely with the AppleVis team to ensure a positive and supportive environment.

AI and Language Accessibility

A particularly exciting area discussed was the potential for AI to play a larger role in AppleVis’s future. Bashin and Wiberg mentioned their vision of leveraging AI to make the AppleVis content more accessible, including providing translations into multiple languages. This would allow users from around the world, even those in non-English speaking countries, to benefit from the site’s extensive resources. The team sees AI as a key tool to expanding the reach and usability of AppleVis, helping even more blind people access valuable information.

What’s Next for Be My Eyes and AppleVis?

In response to questions from the audience, both guests hinted at exciting developments on the horizon, including the integration of Be My AI with wearable technology. While no specific timelines were provided, both Bashin and Wiberg expressed optimism about the future of wearables and how they could further enhance independence for blind users.

Reflecting on Be My Eyes’ journey, Wiiberg shared his astonishment at how far the organization has come since its humble beginnings. Acquiring AppleVis, a cornerstone of accessible technology for the blind, felt like a natural progression for Be My Eyes, whose mission has always been about empowering the blind community through technology.

A Bright Future

The conversation provided reassurance and optimism for the blind community, ensuring that AppleVis will remain a vital resource for years to come. Thanks to the efforts of Be My Eyes, not only has AppleVis been saved, but it is poised to grow and expand in ways that will further support blind users around the world. The conversation ended on a high note, with Bashin and Wiberg thanking the AppleVis team and looking forward to continuing the partnership.

As the technology landscape continues to evolve, this partnership between Be My Eyes and AppleVis promises to provide even more opportunities for the blind and visually impaired community to stay connected and informed.