Vision Australia AI news: June 2026

This month, we look at how AI is improving navigation for people with low vison in a lot of novel ways, and hear from a client who is using AI to break down barriers in the workplace.

Navigate with confidence using subtle vibrations in your shoes

ASHIRASE is a vibrating navigation device that when placed in the shoes of people who are blind or have low vision can offer simple and intuitive walking guidance through gentle vibrations in their shoes.

This device frees up hearing and other senses to assist with better situational awareness, and reduces cognitive load when navigating and walking.

AiSee: A new AI based wearable headset in development

AiSee is a smart, headphone‑like wearable developed by researchers at the National University of Singapore.

The device uses a camera and AI to identify objects and describe them to people in real time.

The startup behind AiSee is preparing for consumer launch, and is also partnering with museums and airports, and exploring future use as a hands‑free, screen‑free computing device for everyone.

Access handwritten documents independently with JAWS AI    

For a screen reader user, scanned handwritten content has never been accessible, creating a significant barrier to independence.

A JAWS feature called Picture Smart now uses AI to make handwritten content accessible. It can accurately read scanned handwritten documents, completed forms and more, and translate it into clear speech.

If you want to make the most of your JAWS screen reader software – including being able to read what was traditionally thought to be inaccessible scanned documents – please contact Vision Australia’s access technology specialist Ken Baker on 043 771 9060, or via ken.baker@visionaustralia.org

Ken offers personalised JAWS AI courses exploring built in JAWS AI tools, such as FS Companion, Picture Smart, Page Explorer, and using JAWS with Copilot AI.

Scam alert: Fake HotDoc messages

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has reported that scammers are impersonating HotDoc – a medical appointment booking service – and sending messages to people about fake Medicare refunds or overcharges.

These text messages and emails ask people to click or tap on a link to a legitimate looking web page, with the aim of stealing personal information or banking details.

If you receive a message like this, do not click the link. Instead, contact your provider directly using trusted details.

Spotlight of the month: Speech labels

The speech labels starter kit has a range of stick on labels and sew-on buttons that provide a simple and flexible way to identify everyday items at home, at work or on the go.

By combining a free smartphone app with sticker labels, this system delivers high-quality audio identification of items. The starter kit has been designed specifically for users who are blind or have low vision.

You can listen to Sam from the Blind Life YouTube channel trying out the speech labels kit on YouTube.

If you're interested in trying out speech labels for yourself, you can purchase a starter kit from Vision Australia’s online store.

AI fails: When AI goes wrong  

Newspapers publish AI generated reading list with nonexistent books by real authors.

Some major US newspapers, including the Chicago Sun-Times, published an AI-generated summer reading list that included nonexistent books paired with real authors. In fact, only five of the 15 titles on the list were real books.

According to the newspaper’s spokesperson, the list was part of licensed content provided by another publisher who admitted they used AI to generate the list, but failed to fact-check it. The incident exposed risks of overreliance on AI in journalism, prompting the papers to remove the section from digital editions and reaffirm the need for editorial oversight.

In response to the error, the affected newspapers pulled the reading list from all digital editions. Management has since reaffirmed their commitment to strict editorial oversight, promising enhanced vetting procedures for all syndicated and third-party content moving forward.

Readers stories

JAWS AI breaking down barriers in the workplace

Vision Australia client John uses Fusion software – which is a combination of JAWS and ZoomText – in this job to processes sensitive referral forms from medical professionals.

These medical forms sometimes contain information that is inaccessible, such as handwritten notes. In these cases, John was frequently forced to seek assistance or pass these on to his colleagues. This impacted John's independence, as well as how his job performance was viewed by others.

Using the JAWS AI software tools, John can now independently access these scanned handwritten documents. John can also ask follow-up questions like, “What is the referral reason”, or “Read the full form”.

To say that John was ecstatic with this, and with his newfound independence, would be a vast understatement!

Share your experiences

Have you tried AI or smart tech in your daily life?

Share your experience and help others discover new ways to build confidence and independence.  

You can get in touch with us via ai@visionaustralia.org.