Voice For Vision | Why Smart Glasses Matter
[Image Description: A black and white banner with the words “Voice For Vision” in large white letters. Underneath, larger text reads “Make Voice for Vision visible”.]
For many South Australians living with vision loss, smart glasses aren’t a gadget.
They’re a way to read a menu. Check a street sign in an unfamiliar place. Pick the right product off a chemist shelf. Stay connected with family, and with a sighted helper when it’s needed.
So when restrictions on smart glasses were proposed, we knew the people who rely on them had to be part of the conversation. Voice For Vision grew out of that belief, and it is now also being carried forward nationally by Vision 2020 Australia, so even more voices can be heard.
Voice For Vision is a campaign to make sure people living with vision loss are heard before decisions are made about the technology they use to live independently. It’s also a movement we want to outlast this one issue, so our community keeps a strong voice in the advocacy that matters to them.
[Video Description: Michael Hutchison, See Differently’s Client Advisory Chair, takes us through a day with his smart glasses.]
Michael Hutchison is legally blind. His smart glasses help him read signs and menus, identify objects, find his way around and connect with assistance when he needs it. In his words, they have become “an important part of how I navigate my everyday life.”
Michael’s story was also shared in The Advertiser, and it captures what this campaign is about. Our position comes down to three things.
Regulate misuse. Go after harmful behaviour, not the technology or the person using it. Laws should be proportionate and focus on conduct.
Protect privacy. We support genuine privacy protections, as long as people with disability aren’t forced to explain or prove their condition just to use everyday assistive technology.
Defend independence. For many of our clients, smart glasses support reading, navigation, connection and confidence. Independence shouldn’t become an unintended casualty of regulation.
Privacy, safety and security are important, and we’re not asking for them to be set aside. We’re asking that accessibility is weighed up alongside them, with the voices of people who rely on this technology at the centre.
[Video Description: Executive Director Damian Papps explains why accessibility needs to sit alongside privacy, safety and security.]
Voice For Vision came to life off the back of a letter to the editor from our Executive Director, Damian Papps. A clear message about assistive technology struck a chord, and people living with vision loss, their families and the professionals who support them began speaking up too.
Hearing from people like Michael made one thing clear. This isn’t an abstract policy debate. It’s about real routines, real confidence and real independence, and the campaign has been shaped by the community it speaks for.
Bigger than one issue
Smart glasses are the focus right now, but Voice For Vision is built to last. It’s a place for South Australians living with vision loss to be heard on the things that shape their everyday lives, whatever comes next.
Why your story matters
Statistics and policy papers have their place, but nothing explains the impact of smart glasses like hearing from the people who use them. Whether they’ve helped you read, travel, work, study or stay connected, your experience helps decision-makers understand what’s really at stake.
Share your story.
Tell us what smart glasses mean to you. Share as much or as little as you like, in writing, as audio or on video. Family members, friends, professionals and supporters are very welcome too. Your story is only shared publicly with your permission.