Global Assistive Technologies for Visually Impaired Market Size 2018, By Product [Educational devices (Braille computers, Braille writers, Reading machines), Mobility devices, Low vision devices, Others], By End users (Blind school, Hospital & Social organization, Personal use), By Region and Forecast 2019 to 2025
Sep 2019
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The global assistive technologies for visually impaired market was valued at USD 3,587.8 million in 2018. Increasing awareness about the available solutions, coupled with technological advancements are the major factors fueling the growth of this market. Moreover, stringent regulatory controls and the cost of some technologies may hamper the market growth.
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According to the WHO, about 1.3 billion people worldwide, live with a certain form of vision impairment, where 80% of these vision impairments are avoidable. However, population growth and ageing is expected to foster the risk of vision impairment. There are several effective interventions designed to support visually impaired people and to improve the quality of life.
All the systems, devices, services and appliances that are used by the disabled to support their everyday lives, deliver a safe mobility, make their activities easier, and are therefore included under assistive technologies. These technologies are used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
The global assistive technologies for visually impaired market has been segmented based on products and end users. Educational devices dominated the assistive technologies for visually impaired market in 2018, with 56.6% market share. Rising demand for braille devices is a key factor propelling the growth of education devices. Moreover, government initiatives to bridge the gap between the visibly abled and disabled is also promoting the growth of this segment. Among the end users, hospitals and social organizations occupied majority of the market share in 2018.
In 2018, North America, contributed the highest revenue in the global assistive technologies for visually impaired market at USD 1,079.6 million. Significantly high per capita healthcare expenditure is a prime factor responsible for growth in this region. Moreover, North America it is expected to retain its dominance through 2025.
Prominent players operating in the global assistive technologies for visually impaired market are VFO, Dolphin Computer Access Ltd., HumanWare Group, Access Ingenuity, American Thermoform, LVI Low Vision International and Cambium Learning.
Key segments of the global assistive technologies for visually impaired market
Product Overview, 2015-2025 (USD Million)
- Educational devices
- Braille computers
- Braille writers
- Reading machines
- Mobility devices
- Low vision devices
- Others
End user Overview, 2015-2025 (USD Million)
- Blind schools
- Hospital & social organizations
- Personal use
Regional Overview, 2015-2025 (USD Million)
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- U.K.
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Rest of Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
Reasons for the study
- Growing demand for braille devices for educational purposes
- Government initiatives to bridge the gap between the visibly abled and disabled
- Rise in the enrollment of visually impaired students in blind schools
What does the report include?
- The market research study on global assistive technologies for visually impaired market includes market analysis in the form of assessment of market drivers, restraints and opportunities
- Porter’s five forces analysis is also given for the assistive technologies for visually impaired industry
- The study covers industry analysis of assistive technologies for visually impaired market which is segmented on the basis of products, end users and region (and country)
- Actual market estimates and forecasts are given for above-mentioned segments
- The report includes the company profiles of key players in the market with significant global/regional presence
Who should buy this report?
- Players associated in the assistive technologies for visually impaired supply chain
- Regulatory bodies, organizations, policymakers and government organizations active in the assistive technologies for visually impaired market
- Strategy managers, academic institutions, researchers, educators, analysts seeking insights to determine future policies
There are many types of assistive technologies nowadays available to provision the blind and visually impaired, of which several are intended to deliver information through touch or sound that would conventionally be received visually. Among the few best known assistive technologies for the blind and visually impaired are the 'haptic aids', produced upon the responsiveness of touch. These include the traditional low tech devices, like the Braille texts and white canes, alongside inscribed or tangible maps and textured surfaces to assist navigation. Moreover, advanced high tech counterparts of these haptic aids, such as the cutting-edge Braille applications, smart canes and haptic computer devices, are also available.
Assistive technologies, which are under development, and not yet commercially available include the 'bionic eyes'. These are especially designed for the blind and visually impaired which change functioning of the optic system, by transforming light into electrical impulses. Another technology, commonly known as augmented spectacles are expected to help users by magnifying images, providing object and facial recognition, filtering colors using audio and so on. Furthermore, trends in the development of upcoming assistive technologies for the blind and visually impaired will enable wider mainstream technology developments. For instance, userled 'democratized' design and production is potential due to the advent of accessible 3D printers and development tools, upgraded wearability and portability is determined by miniaturization and proficiency gains for power sources and pioneering displays and interface devices using better touch screens, brain interfaces, gesture recognition, and haptic feedback systems, which can also benefit assistive technologies for the blind and visually impaired.
The global assistive technologies for visually impaired market has been segmented based on product and end user. Educational devices from the product category dominated the market with 56.5% market share. Educational devices are further split into braille computers, braille writers and reading machines.
Braille, is one of the traditional technologies available for visually impaired. However, little has changed in the electronic braille displays since the technology first appeared, as its design raises the cost. Classically, braille displays comprise of 10 - 80 cells in a linear display, while it adds to the cost with the increase in the number of cells.
Moreover, the cost of personal computers has dropped drastically in the past few years; the reduction in the price for a device with an electronic braille display has not. Thus, a small braille display that can connect a bluetooth to a tablet, computer or smartphone and fit’s in one’s pocket costs around USD 1,000 and a notetaker, that includes specifications covered in a tablet, such as email, WiFi, word processor with a small braille display, starts around USD 3,000. Hence, as the electronic braille system has been extremely costly from its onset, the Holy Grail foundation of braille displays, has been working on lowering the price of the displays, without compromising the durability of the display or the feel of the dots.
Another project called as the Holy Braille, by The University of Michigan's School of Information's Sile O'Modhrain, is developing a tactile graphic display device with a full-page braille, along with a flat screen tablet that users can touch. A major focus of this project has been on redesigning the movable pins or braille "dots" used on the existing electronic braille displays to build a prototype using a pneumatic system of bubbles and fluid to elevate the surface of the screen.
Other players building innovative new braille devices like the Holy Braille project include Blitab, which proposes a device with multiple lines of braille and insideOne, a 32-cell braille display, hybrid tablet with built in bottom of the screen and a touch screen with Perkins-style keyboard. All of these braille innovations are specifically designed to lower the costs of braille displays, with a view to create accessibility and expand customer base.
North America dominated the global assistive technologies for visually impaired market in 2018, with 30% market share and was closely followed by Europe.
According to the National Eye Institute (U.S.), a part of the National Institutes of Health, by 2050 the number of people with visual impairment in the U.S. are estimated to double to about 8 million as the baby boomers reach 65 by 2029. Furthermore, 16.4 million people in the U.S. are projected to have trouble owing to correctable refractive errors such as hyperopia or myopia, which can be corrected using glasses, contacts or surgery. Meanwhile, in 2015, around 3.2 million people in the U.S. had visual impairment, in which they had 20/40 or poor vision with finest possible correction and another 8.2 million had vision difficulties because of uncorrected refractive error. In response to the situation, the American government is initiating several screening programs to recognize people with correctable vision problems and early signs of eye diseases. Early detection and intervention will aid towards preventing a substantial proportion of preventable vision loss.
U.S. National Estimates of Vision Impairment (2016)
|
Number of people (million) |
Age group |
Condition of visual impairment |
|
4.6 |
> 40 |
Blind |
|
44 |
> 40 |
Near or far sighted |
|
2 |
> 50 |
Age-related macular degeneration |
|
22 |
> 40 |
Cataract |
|
4.5 |
> 40 |
Diabetic retinopathy |
|
2.3 |
> 40 |
Glaucoma |
Source: https://www.health.ny.gov
The global assistive technologies for visually impaired market was valued at USD 3,587.8 million in 2018. Increasing awareness about the available solutions, coupled with technological advancements are the major factors fueling the growth of this market. Moreover, stringent regulatory controls and the cost of some technologies may hamper the market growth.
According to the WHO, about 1.3 billion people worldwide, live with a certain form of vision impairment, where 80% of these vision impairments are avoidable. However, population growth and ageing is expected to foster the risk of vision impairment. There are several effective interventions designed to support visually impaired people and to improve the quality of life.
All the systems, devices, services and appliances that are used by the disabled to support their everyday lives, deliver a safe mobility, make their activities easier, and are therefore included under assistive technologies. These technologies are used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
The global assistive technologies for visually impaired market has been segmented based on products and end users. Educational devices dominated the assistive technologies for visually impaired market in 2018, with 56.6% market share. Rising demand for braille devices is a key factor propelling the growth of education devices. Moreover, government initiatives to bridge the gap between the visibly abled and disabled is also promoting the growth of this segment. Among the end users, hospitals and social organizations occupied majority of the market share in 2018.
In 2018, North America, contributed the highest revenue in the global assistive technologies for visually impaired market at USD 1,079.6 million. Significantly high per capita healthcare expenditure is a prime factor responsible for growth in this region. Moreover, North America it is expected to retain its dominance through 2025.
Prominent players operating in the global assistive technologies for visually impaired market are VFO, Dolphin Computer Access Ltd., HumanWare Group, Access Ingenuity, American Thermoform, LVI Low Vision International and Cambium Learning.
Key segments of the global assistive technologies for visually impaired market
Product Overview, 2015-2025 (USD Million)
- Educational devices
- Braille computers
- Braille writers
- Reading machines
- Mobility devices
- Low vision devices
- Others
End user Overview, 2015-2025 (USD Million)
- Blind schools
- Hospital & social organizations
- Personal use
Regional Overview, 2015-2025 (USD Million)
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- U.K.
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Rest of Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
Reasons for the study
- Growing demand for braille devices for educational purposes
- Government initiatives to bridge the gap between the visibly abled and disabled
- Rise in the enrollment of visually impaired students in blind schools
What does the report include?
- The market research study on global assistive technologies for visually impaired market includes market analysis in the form of assessment of market drivers, restraints and opportunities
- Porter’s five forces analysis is also given for the assistive technologies for visually impaired industry
- The study covers industry analysis of assistive technologies for visually impaired market which is segmented on the basis of products, end users and region (and country)
- Actual market estimates and forecasts are given for above-mentioned segments
- The report includes the company profiles of key players in the market with significant global/regional presence
Who should buy this report?
- Players associated in the assistive technologies for visually impaired supply chain
- Regulatory bodies, organizations, policymakers and government organizations active in the assistive technologies for visually impaired market
- Strategy managers, academic institutions, researchers, educators, analysts seeking insights to determine future policies
Chapter 1. Executive Summary
Chapter 2. Research Methodology
2.1. Research approach
2.2. Scope, definition, and assumptions
2.3. Data sources
Chapter 3. Market Outlook
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Key trends
3.2.1. Market Drivers
3.2.2. Market Restraints
3.2.3. Market Opportunities
3.3. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
3.4. Value Chain Analysis
Chapter 4. Global Assistive Technologies For Visually Impaired Market Overview, By Product
4.1. Global assistive technologies for visually impaired market share, by product, 2018 & 2025
4.2. Educational devices
4.2.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
4.2.1.1. Braille computers
4.2.1.1.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
4.2.1.2. Braille writers
4.2.1.2.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
4.2.1.3. Reading machines
4.2.1.3.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
4.3. Mobility devices
4.3.1. Market size and projections, 2015– 2025
4.4. Low vision devices
4.4.1. Market size and projections, 2015– 2025
4.5. Others
4.5.1. Market size and projections, 2015– 2025
Chapter 5. Global Assistive Technologies For Visually Impaired Market Overview, By End User
5.1. Global assistive technologies for visually impaired market share, by end user, 2018 & 2025
5.2. Blind schools
5.2.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
5.3. Hospitals & social organizations
5.3.1. Market size and projections, 2015– 2025
5.4. Personal use
5.4.1. Market size and projections, 2015– 2025
Chapter 6. Global Assistive Technologies For Visually Impaired Market Overview, By Region
6.1. Global assistive technologies for visually impaired market share, by region, 2018 & 2025
6.1.1. North America
6.1.1.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.1.1.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.1.1.3. Market size and projections, by end user, 2015-2025
6.1.1.4. US
6.1.1.4.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.1.1.5. Canada
6.1.1.5.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.1.2. Europe
6.1.2.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.1.2.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.1.2.3. Market size and projections, by end user, 2015-2025
6.1.2.4. UK
6.1.2.4.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.1.2.5. Germany
6.1.2.5.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.1.2.6. Rest of Europe
6.1.2.6.1. Market size and projections, by application, 2015-2025
6.1.3. Asia Pacific
6.1.3.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.1.3.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.1.3.3. Market size and projections, by end user, 2015-2025
6.1.3.4. China
6.1.3.4.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.1.3.5. Japan
6.1.3.5.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.1.3.6. Rest of APAC
6.1.3.6.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.1.4. Latin America
6.1.4.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.1.4.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.1.4.3. Market size and projections, by end user, 2015-2025
6.1.4.4. Brazil
6.1.4.4.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.1.4.5. Mexico
6.1.4.5.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.1.4.6. Rest of Latin America
6.1.4.6.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.1.5. Middle East & Africa
6.1.5.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.1.5.2. Market size and projections, by product, 2015-2025
6.1.5.3. Market size and projections, by end user, 2015-2025
6.1.5.4. GCC
6.1.5.4.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
6.1.5.5. Rest of MEA
6.1.5.5.1. Market size and projections, 2015-2025
Chapter 7. Company Profiles
7.1. Amedia Corporation
7.1.1. Company overview
7.1.2. Product portfolio
7.1.3. Key developments
7.1.4. Financial performance
7.2. Dolphin Computer Access Ltd.
7.2.1. Company overview
7.2.2. Product portfolio
7.2.3. Key developments
7.2.4. Financial performance
7.3. Cambium Learning
7.3.1. Company overview
7.3.2. Product portfolio
7.3.3. Key developments
7.3.4. Financial performance
7.4. American Thermoform
7.4.1. Company overview
7.4.2. Product portfolio
7.4.3. Key developments
7.4.4. Financial performance
7.5. LVI Low Vision International
7.5.1. Company overview
7.5.2. Product portfolio
7.5.3. Key developments
7.5.4. Financial performance
7.6. HumanWare Group
7.6.1. Company overview
7.6.2. Product portfolio
7.6.3. Key developments
7.6.4. Financial performance
7.7. Access Ingenuity
7.7.1. Company overview
7.7.2. Product portfolio
7.7.3. Key developments
7.7.4. Financial performance
7.8. ViewPlus
7.8.1. Company overview
7.8.2. Product portfolio
7.8.3. Key developments
7.8.4. Financial performance
7.9. VFO
7.9.1. Company overview
7.9.2. Product portfolio
7.9.3. Key developments
7.9.4. Financial performance