Show the AI What You See: Practical Tips for Blind and Low-Vision Users

First Aid for the Blind blog header - Show the AI What You See: Practical Tips for Blind and Low-Vision Users

Artificial intelligence is often controversial, but it can definitely play a positive role in making the world more inclusive and accessible for disabled people or folks with handicaps.

First Aid for the Blind believes that there is power in AI. Here is some background information as well as practical ways it can be used to make life better on a day-to-day basis.

First, you can “show the AI” in several ways. Features like Be My AI (in the app Be My Eyes) and scene description (in the app Seeing AI) can describe photos directly from your phone’s camera. You can also share images or even stream live video through tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Meta Ray-Ban glasses.

• As of early October 2025, live AI can be used freely with the Meta Ray Bans by saying “Hey Meta, Live AI.” This will start live streaming. Say “Stop Live AI” when finished.

• Google also offers free live video streaming through the Gemini app. First, use the Go Live button, and then activate the turn on video streaming button.

• GPT users need GPT Plus, $20 a month, for video streaming.

• Google and Aira are also beta testing a video streaming AI assistant tuned for the needs of the blind and visually impaired.

Here are some practical ways you can use these AI-powered tools to "see" the world around you:

• Checking for Debris Before Vacuuming: Before you fire up the vacuum, show the AI the floor and ask it to check for clutter. It might spot toys, shoes, or cables that need to be picked up first, saving your vacuum (and your nerves) from an unexpected jam. Note: AIs are notoriously blind to dryer sheets. They ignore them just like any teenager. And while it’s pretty good at finding larger items, it won’t usually catch 100 percent of them.

• Estimating How Much Liquid Is Left: Got a half-empty milk jug or detergent bottle? Show the AI and ask it to estimate how much is left. Add a little context like, “I usually use six ounces a week,” and it can even predict when you’ll run out and remind you to restock. No more guessing games at breakfast.

• Choosing the Right Container for Leftovers: Not sure which container will fit the rest of your pasta? Line up your options and show the AI. It’ll tell you which one looks like the best fit, helping you avoid spills and wasted space and making cleanup quicker and less messy. 

• Measuring Without Measuring Cups: Don’t have a measuring cup handy? Ask ChatGPT how to measure with what you do have, like a spoon or a drinking glass. It can tell you that eight tablespoons make a half cup, keeping your recipe on track without special tools.

• What’s for Dinner?: Open the fridge, show the AI what’s inside, and ask, “What can I make with this?” It can identify your ingredients, suggest recipes, and even help plan your next meal. 

• Serving Equal Portions: If you’re plating meals for others, show the AI the dishes and ask whether the portions look balanced. It’ll let you know if one plate’s looking a little light so you can adjust and serve with confidence.

• Safe Cleanup After Spills: After dropping a glass, ask your AI for safe cleanup methods. It might suggest sweeping in a spiral pattern or using a damp paper towel to catch tiny shards. Once you’re done, show it the area again so it can double-check that the floor looks clear and safe to walk on.

• Planning Your Furniture Layout: Thinking about rearranging a room? Show the AI the current setup and ask for layout suggestions. It can point out ways to open up walking paths, improve balance, or make spaces more comfortable to navigate, all without needing to rely on a sighted helper.

• Coordinating Outfits: Before heading out, describe your outfit or show it to the AI. It can confirm that your navy shirt matches your gray pants and that both socks are, in fact, the same color. Small detail, big peace of mind.

• Grooming and Appearance Check: Show the AI a quick view of your face or outfit so it can confirm that your hair is neat, your shirt’s buttoned right, and there’s no toothpaste lurking on your collar. A little virtual mirror check before you head out can go a long way.

• Enjoying Your Child’s Artwork: When your kid proudly hands you a new drawing, show the AI and ask for a description. It might say, “It’s a sunny day with your family by a house and you’re all holding hands.” You’ll be able to share in their excitement and talk about it together, just like any parent would.

• Making Home Décor Decisions: Trying to match a new rug or curtain with your existing furniture? Describe your room and the new item, or show both to the AI, and ask for an opinion. It can help you avoid color clashes and make sure your space feels cohesive and inviting.

• Comparing Product Sizes and Prices: When one box lists ounces and another lists grams, let the AI do the math. It can quickly tell you that 500 grams of pasta equals about 18 ounces, helping you pick the best deal without confusion.

Got any tips or tricks of your own? We know that blind people are the most ingenious and resourceful people we know. So don’t keep it a secret! Send us your tips and we’ll be happy to share with our growing network.

Navigating the world without sight is tricky. That's why we're here. If you want to talk with someone at First Aid for the Blind to learn more about our services teaching life skills to blind people, send us an email at admin@faftb.com.