Izzy

Izzy is a 27-year-old woman from Washington, DC, who is blind due to retinitis pigmentosa. The Eric Fund is purchasing life-changing assistive technology for Izzy that is not funded by insurance but will make a huge difference in her life as noted in her evaluation for these specific technologies. Izzy will receive Ray Ban Meta Smart Glasses with transition lenses that she says work “like another pair of eyes.” The glasses provide AI and real time audio descriptions of her environment and what she is seeing to help her more confidently navigate the community and will help her as she is currently seeking employment. Her sister, who is also blind, let her borrow her Meta Smart glasses once in a Starbuck’s and Izzy could read the overhead menu board for the first time on her own with the real time audio descriptions. Izzy will also receive a portable Braille display that can be used in conjunction with computers, tablets and cell phones and can connect to screen readers on various devices. While her guide dog, Boston, assists her with many things, the new assistive technology will help Izzy “see and read” what is in her immediate environment to help her be more independent in the community and better navigate future work environments.