Meta donates 1,000 AI glasses to support Singapore’s disability community
In Singapore today, Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Meta, announced the donation of 1,000 Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses to various organizations supporting the visually impaired and disabled community. The beneficiaries include the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, Guide Dogs Singapore, the Singapore Disability Sports Council, and Gardens by the Bay. Alongside this, Meta is also investing US$30,000 into training programs to enhance accessibility.
“We believe the future is for everyone,” Kaplan stated. The AI glasses, commonly used for listening to music, live translation, and hands-free calls, offer transformative benefits for individuals with disabilities. For those who are blind or have low vision, these glasses can assist with tasks such as reading text, recognizing objects, and describing surroundings, promoting greater independence.
The announcement took place at an AI glasses accessibility event co-hosted by Meta and the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC). The event featured Senior Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua and participants from the disability sector, including SDSC athletes, Guide Dogs Singapore, and SAVH, along with officials focusing on digital inclusion.
Kaplan added, “The athletes and advocates I’ve met today demonstrate the possibilities when technology is crafted with independence in mind. Through partnerships with local organizations, we aim to place these glasses in the hands of those who will benefit the most.”
Dr. Teo-Koh Sock Miang, President of the Singapore Disability Sports Council, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating that Meta’s donation is an investment in a future where technology expands opportunities for people with disabilities. She expressed excitement about the potential for the community to innovate with this new technology.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua remarked on the impact of designing AI and emerging technologies with persons with disabilities in mind, stating that it can enhance quality of life and facilitate more active participation in daily activities.
Theresa Goh, a Paralympian and National Para Shooter, highlighted how the hands-free functionality of the glasses has transformed her ability to capture moments and stay connected, underscoring the potential benefits for the disabled community.
Training & Support
Meta’s US$30,000 grant will aid the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) in creating a curriculum to teach accessibility skills. The training will focus on using the glasses for tasks like identifying items, reading text, and utilizing voice commands, thereby fostering greater independence.
Cheryl Yeo, Head of Rehabilitation Services at SAVH, expressed gratitude for the sponsorship and grant, noting how it empowers their clients by providing greater access to empowering technology. SAVH will guide the responsible use of the devices, ensuring they are integrated into daily life safely and effectively.
Damon Goh, CEO of Guide Dogs Singapore Ltd, noted that AI glasses could significantly alter how people with visual impairments interact with their surroundings, opening up more opportunities for independent living and community participation.
Linda Tay, Senior Director of Programming at Gardens by the Bay, shared her commitment to making the Gardens an inclusive environment. She highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility, including sensory tours and a pilot of a robotic guide dog, and expressed optimism about how Meta’s AI eyewear could further these initiatives.
For more information about Meta’s accessibility features in their AI glasses, visit the Meta website.
