Micro-Volunteering to Help Others: Apps, Ideas, and Other Resources
What is micro-volunteering?
Micro-volunteering is a low commitment approach to supporting non-profits through easy and flexible ways, usually by computer or cell phone. Sometimes there is no commitment to the organization or obligation to repeat volunteer activities. The activities are typically quick to complete.
Online micro-volunteering opportunities for assisting the blind and low-vision
Be My Eyes is a free mobile app for iPhone and Google Play users that connects blind and low-vision individual with sighted volunteers and companies from all over the world through a live video call. Users may need help with anything – identifying the color of clothing, reading food labels, navigation, operating a vending machine, finding dropped or lost items, identifying good expiration dates, or reading a piece of mail. Volunteers with Be My Eyes helps blind and low vision users lead more independent lives.
When a user needs assistance the device (usually a cell phone) will notify multiple volunteers at once, with the call connecting to the first volunteer who responds.
Be My Eyes has users and volunteers in over 150 countries and in over 180 different languages. Vision loss can vary from slight impairment to total loss.
Sarah (United Kingdom), one of more than 4 million worldwide volunteers, said “Helping through Be My Eyes made a profound on me. After I’ve helped someone, I feel very cheery, and it also reminds me that I need to be more thankful for everything in my life every day. I’m always happier when I use Be My Eye and can help someone.”
Corporations can also support creating a more inclusive world through corporate volunteering. After signing up, interested employees create a volunteer profile and receive randomized live video calls. Calls typically last less than three minutes. If an employee is unable to answer a call another volunteer will assist.
“Be My Eyes is extraordinarily special because the people, the volunteers on the app, show that they are willing to help you do anything,” said Bryan (United States). “No request is stupid or unreasonable or a joke to them, they take their volunteer job very seriously.”
Note: Be My Eyes is currently unavailable for the Sabre Pyramid.
Assistive Items for Low Vision and Blind Consumers
Path Light Attachment for Canes and Walkers
Portable Magnifying Glass with Light
Talking Key Chain with Multiple Alarms
Keep social with Big Letter BANANAGRAMS
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