Finding a New Technological Tool for Blind People and Including Kurdish Language in Operating Systems

Abstract

A major problem that blind people face in today’s technologically advanced world is the technology itself. Visually impaired people use an auditory version of smart devices. The screen reader converts only optical and diagrammatic information into audible data without taking into account the context. The main purpose of this study is to highlight the challenges faced by blind people in general and their experiences with technology in particular, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and also aims to explore if the technology is making their life easier. This study highlights the major issues faced by Kurdish blind people such as hurdles in getting an education and using smart devices, lack of facilities in public spaces, and discrimination. It is suggested that the companies must introduce the Kurdish language in their operating system and develop the smart covers for smart devices to enable them to use the smart devices independently for various tasks in life.