A young group of entrepreneurs in Argentina have developed the template for a 3D printable chess set. With tactile markings on the board as well as the individual pieces, visually impaired people can now learn, and play, the game without assistance.The group was originally asked to help with a much smaller project, but during the implementation of that work, they realized the possibilities that could be opened with 3D printing capabilities.
The chess set developed from this realization.
Read more about the group and the development of this tactile version of the game in this article.
To learn about the programs we offer, please visit our Programs Page.
3D Printed Chess Set Helps Visually Impaired Children in Argentina Learn the Game
A new device, still in prototype, uses a small camera to translate written text to Braille in real time.
An Oxford University student has developed a synthetic, soft tissue retina that may be able to treat some degenerative conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa.
Kristin Smedley was living a charmed life when her first child was born with CRB1-LCA, a genetic mutation which causes visual impairment and blindness. In 
A lightweight and configurable tablet has been created that generates shapes, graphs and maps in 3D to allow people who are visually impaired to access previously difficult to understand images. The idea is that the tablet may help people find their way around new areas or learn difficult subjects such as geometry. For more information on the new assistive technology, visit 
Andrew Airey had significant vision loss on his wedding day 15 years ago. He wasn’t able to see his wife walking down the aisle or view the guests who had come to share their special day.
Artist Sharnita “Shugg” Smoot experienced drastic changes in her vision in her 20s when she was at university involved in extracurricular activities. The loss of vision was dramatic and sudden. She was forced to re-evaluate where she was headed, leaving school and many of her hobbies. During the changes, she started sketching which led to her now successful career as an artist. In 
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the way we are currently doing things that we don’t go looking for new and potentially better ways. 
For many of us, running the Boston Marathon would be challenge enough, but for Erich Manser, he is adding to the challenge. He is visually impaired and running with the aid of a remote assistant who will be based 3,000 miles away. He will be wearing the AIra glasses and testing the ability of the technology, and the human who will be guiding him with the technology.
Two well known visually impaired personalities get together in this short video to discuss the difference between being born blind and losing vision later on in life.
Christie has been dealing with Retinitis Pigmentosa for twenty years, but only recently had to deal with becoming legally blind. In 
“Local Motors and IBM are equipping an autonomous electric shuttle bus with technology that assists people with a range of disabilities.” Using smartphone apps, artificial intelligence and augmented reality, the buses may be available as early as next year. Though the earliest models are still in design, they have plans for later models to incorporate the ability to direct a visually impaired passenger to an empty seat. For deaf people, a screen could be deployed to allow for text or signing. If all goes as planned, these buses could be among the earliest self-driving vehicles on the road. Read more 
Six dots is a tribute to the life and work of Louis Braille, creator of the Braille system that so many now use to read. The illustrated book is now available.
Chris Nagle is a software engineer who has earned respect in his workplace by getting the job done well regardless of his visual impairment. Chris was entering college when his eye sight started deteriorating. He entered the computer programming field because he thought it would require less reading which was a strain on him at the time. He was naturally good at many of the skills needed in his course and he now excels at his job.
“The vision tests administered in school fail to detect one in three children with significant vision and eye health problem,” says a recent report. Because the exams aren’t comprehensive enough, some important problems are being missed during routine exams.
An American study recently showed that children with diabetes may not be getting the eye exams that are needed to avoid vision loss from complications of the disease. "Diabetic retinopathy is the number one cause of vision loss in ages 20-74, so screening is an important component of diabetes care," says one of the researchers involved in the study.
In 2007, Susan Mellsopp experienced unusual retinal detachments that took most of her vision. She had always wanted to travel internationally, but hadn’t had the chance yet. She decided not to procrastinate any longer, and to go while she still had some limited vision remaining.
Christine Ha, who won Masterchef 3 as the first blind contestant to be a part of the show, joins Tommy Edison to discuss the question that many fans are asking. What is the difference between being born blind and losing your sight later in life? Christine was in her 20s when her sight loss began and Tommy was born blind. The two discuss dreams, what their field of vision currently is like and some other fun topics.
Here’s a great 
Assistive technology and devices such as 3D printers have made a big difference for many people living with a disability.
Microsoft has released a new program to explain coding to kids who are visually impaired. Named Project Torino, their creation uses tactile 3D pieces that fit together in a variety of ways to illustrate how coding works. Microsoft says the aim of the program is to, not only teach new skills, but also help kids find new career paths that may not have been open to them before.
“Founded in 2007, Blind Stokers is the largest and most active tandem club for blind riders in the country, according to the U.S. Blind Tandem Cycling Connection.” Dorothy Deans was at our Center when she heard about the club and decided to get involved.
A DIY renovations YouTube star and a blind carpenter get together to do some home renovations in a new TV series set to air this spring.
Vladir da Silva was injured in a work-place accident that took his sight. He was only 24 and thought that his life was over. But he was able to hook up with an organization that taught him Braille, helped him learn to navigate and be independent again. And then someone suggested he try his hand at photography. At first, he thought they were a bit crazy, but now he is an avid photographer, using his other senses to know where and when to shoot.
Rachel was born prematurely and went blind due to Retinopathy of Prematurity. She has perfect pitch and has been a music lover since she was a toddler. She uses assistive technology to produce her own music and has released her first album.
“To give the most I have to give, not in just in triathlon but in life. It’s about discipline and structure. That’s what triathlon gives me.”
Connected to a live agent, the app allows visually impaired users to get assistance with daily tasks that would have otherwise been difficult or required the help of a store clerk, friend or family member.
A class action lawsuit filed recently against the producers of ‘Hamilton’ and the theatre in which it is showing has brought attention to the overlooked area of Broadway accessibility for people with disabilities.
There are many ways available to save money, you just need to know where and how to access these discounts and special prices. 
Research has led to recently FDA-approved surgery for a patient with keratoconus in Los Angeles. Although the process doesn’t cure the disease, it does normally halt the progress of the disease and sometimes partly reverses some of the effects that have already occurred.
Assistive technology is changing from the bulky, oversized, expensive items from years ago to apps that may be free or low cost and can be added to a mobile phone. 
This 
A study published by the American Academy of Optometry states that older adults with cataracts are more likely to experience depression.
