Market Definition

The market encompasses hardware and software solutions designed to enhance the independence, mobility, and communication abilities of individuals with visual impairments. These technologies include screen readers, magnification devices, braille displays, navigation aids, and AI-powered tools that assist users in daily activities in educational or professional settings.

The market's scope covers applications in personal use, workplace accessibility, education, and public services, aiming to improve the quality of life and promote inclusivity. The report highlights key market drivers, major trends, regulatory frameworks, and the competitive landscape shaping the industry.

Market Overview

The global assistive technologies for visually impaired market size was valued at USD 4,216.3 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 4,701.06 million in 2025 to USD 11,212.15 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.22% during the forecast period.

The assistive technologies market for the visually impaired is witnessing strong growth due to the increasing demand for accessible tools for workplace and daily living. The integration of AI and advanced technologies such as real-time object recognition, voice control, and navigation aids is significantly enhancing device functionality and user independence.

Major companies operating in the assistive technologies for visually impaired industry are Vispero, OrCam, Apple Inc., HumanWare, Freedom Scientific Inc., Dolphin Computer Access Ltd., Optelec International, SELVAS Healthcare, Inc., eSight, Dotincorp, Glidance Inc., ReadSpeaker B.V., LVI Low Vision International, American Thermoform Corp, and Access Ingenuity.

The market is witnessing an increasing demand for inclusive education and learning solutions for individuals with visual impairments. Educational institutions and governments are prioritizing accessibility to ensure equal learning opportunities, driving the adoption of braille learning devices, AI-powered reading aids, and interactive platforms.

These solutions support independent learning and skill development, addressing gaps caused by a shortage of specialized educators. Therefore, providers offering adaptive and accessible educational technologies can capitalize on this expanding market segment.

In March 2025, HumanWare partnered with Thinkerbell Labs, to introduce Annie, a WiFi enabled device, in Canada. The device enables children to learn braille independently through an online platform with lesson assignments and progress tracking. It also helps educators and parents address the global shortage of teachers for the visually impaired.

Key Highlights:

The assistive technologies for visually impaired industry size was valued at USD 4,216.30 million in 2024.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.22% from 2025 to 2032.
North America held a market share of 36.22% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 1,527.1 million.
The educational devices and software segment garnered USD 1,620.7 million in revenue in 2024.
The personal use segment is expected to reach USD 4,375.5 million by 2032.
Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 13.75% during the forecast period.

Market Driver

Growing Demand for Accessible Workplace and Daily Living Tools

The assistive technologies for visually impaired market is driven by the increased demand for tools and training that support accessibility in workplace and daily living environments. Compliance with accessibility regulations and organizational commitments to diversity and inclusion are fueling investments in comprehensive assistive solutions.

This includes software deployment, user training, and ongoing support, which improves productivity and engagement for visually impaired individuals. Companies offering holistic accessibility services stand to benefit from this growing market need.

In December 2024, Vispero partnered with ThunderCat Technology to support the Veterans Administration with assistive technology solutions for blind and low vision employees. This USD 2.3M contract includes the deployment of Job Access With Speech (JAWS), ZoomText, Fusion, and JAWS Inspect, along with comprehensive training and support. It addresses the growing need for accessible workplace tools in the public sector.

Market Challenge

Limited Awareness Regarding Smartphone-Based Assistive Technologies

A key challenge in the assistive technologies market for visually impaired users is the limited awareness and understanding of smartphone-based accessibility features and applications. Many potential users and caregivers are not fully aware of the ability of smartphones to serve as powerful assistive tools through built-in screen readers, magnification, voice commands, and navigation apps.

To address this, companies are investing in targeted education and training programs, user-friendly app designs, and community engagement initiatives to increase adoption and demonstrate the practical benefits of smartphone-based solutions. These efforts aim to bridge the knowledge gap and expand the reach of affordable and widely accessible assistive technologies.

Market Trend

Integration of AI and Other Advanced Technologies in Assistive Devices

The market is driven by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies that enhance device functionality and user experience. AI-powered features such as real-time object recognition, environmental awareness, and adaptive interfaces are allowing users greater independence and safety.

These innovations allow devices to provide more accurate navigation assistance, improved accessibility, and seamless interaction with digital content. As a result, the adoption of AI is transforming assistive devices into smarter and more intuitive tools that meet the diverse needs of users.

In April 2025, HumanWare’s StellarTrek update launched an integrated book reader and pedestrian traffic light detection (beta). This offers immersive text-based books from services like Bookshare while receiving navigation instructions, and navigate using AI to detect pedestrian signals, enhancing independence and mobility for individuals with visual impairments.

Assistive Technologies For Visually Impaired Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation	Details
By Product Type	Educational Devices and Software (Braille Notetakers and Displays, Screen Readers, Accessible Learning Software, Braille Duplicators and Writers, Others), Mobility Devices (Canes, GPS Navigation Devices, Wearable Technology for Navigation), Low Vision Devices (Magnifiers, Telescopic Lenses, Smart Glasses for Low Vision, Others), Others
By End User	Blind Schools and Training Institutes, Enterprises and Social Organizations, Personal Use, Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers
By Region	North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico
	Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe
	Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific
	Middle East & Africa: Turkey, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa
	South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

Market Segmentation:

By Product Type (Educational Devices and Software, Mobility Devices, Low Vision Devices, and Others): The educational devices and software segment earned USD 1,620.7 million in 2024, attributed to the increasing adoption of digital learning tools and accessible educational platforms for visually impaired individuals.
By End User (Blind Schools and Training Institutes, Enterprises and Social Organizations, Personal Use, Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers): The personal use segment held 36.16% of the market in 2024, due to the rising demand for independent living solutions and user-friendly assistive technologies among visually impaired individuals.

Assistive Technologies For Visually Impaired Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

Assistive Technologies For Visually Impaired Market Size & Share, By Region, 2025-2032 The North America assistive technologies for visually impaired market share stood at 36.22% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 1,527.1 million. The market is driven by expanded access to specialized assistive technology solutions, combined with the high adoption of advanced assistive devices, is driving significant growth in the market for visually impaired users.

Increased availability of tailored products and the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and AI-powered navigation, are enhancing user experience and independence. This is enabling broader market penetration and fostering innovation, improving the quality of life and expanding commercial opportunities within the assistive technology sector.

In February 2024, Canadian Assistive Technologies opened Canada’s largest private sector retail store dedicated to Low Vision and Blindness Technology, with a wide variety of products from white canes to high tech items like Virtual Reality video magnifiers and Braille displays. The store aims to help people with vision loss access up-to-date technologies and comprehensive services to improve their quality of life.

The Asia-Pacific assistive technologies for visually impaired industry is poised for significant growth at a robust CAGR of 13.75% over the forecast period. Advancements in AI-driven tactile accessibility technologies, combined with strategic collaborations between technology firms and academic institutions, are driving innovation and accelerating product development in the market.

These collaborations use cutting-edge research and AI capabilities to create effective and scalable solutions, enhancing user experience and expanding market reach across education, employment, and healthcare sectors.

In November 2024, Dot Inc. collaborated with Microsoft and Hanyang University from South Korea and launched DotVista, an AI image recognition and conversion project. DotVista enables visually impaired users to explore animal shapes and evaluate product quality through tactile experiences on the Dot Pad, enhancing accessibility and learning opportunities in education, employment, and daily life.

Regulatory Frameworks

In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 protects people with disabilities. It ensures equal access to jobs, public services, and technologies, including assistive tools for the visually impaired.
In Europe, The European Accessibility Act (EAA), or European Union Directive 2019/882, ensures that all people, regardless of status, can access digital services and products effectively.

Competitive Landscape

Companies in the assistive technologies for visually impaired industry are growing through strategic collaborations with technology companies and academic institutions, aiming at accelerating product innovation and expanding market reach. These collaborations integrate advanced AI capabilities into assistive solutions, enabling the development of versatile and scalable products.

By aligning with established software ecosystems and leveraging academic research, companies are enhancing the functionality and relevance of their offerings across education, employment, and healthcare.

In October 2024, Vispero partnered with Aira to promote equal access for online communities. This partnership will use their combined expertise to identify and report website accessibility issues and enhance Aira’s Verify feature. This provides greater confidence for users of assistive technologies like JAWS for Windows. The partnership aims to increase awareness and provide tools necessary for equal access, benefiting the blind and low vision community.

List of Key Companies in Assistive Technologies For Visually Impaired Market:

Vispero
OrCam.
Apple Inc.
HumanWare
Freedom Scientific Inc.
Dolphin Computer Access Ltd.
Optelec International
SELVAS Healthcare, Inc.
Gentex
Dotincorp
Glidance Inc.
ReadSpeaker B.V.
LVI Low Vision International
American Thermoform Corp
Access Ingenuity

Recent Developments (Partnerships/ New Product Launch)

In May 2025, Apple announced new features, including Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store, Magnifier for Mac, Braille Access, and Accessibility Reader. These features aim to help blind or low-vision users to explore, learn, and interact with technology across the Apple ecosystem.
In May 2025, HumanWare pre-released JAWS, featuring native multiline braille support for the Monarch, a multiline braille device developed by HumanWare and APH. This integration introduces the Wrapped Mode for a smoother reading experience and the Cropped Mode for easier navigation, taking a significant step forward in braille and screen reader interactions.
In March 2025, Vispero launched the Insert J Club, an exclusive online community designed to bring JAWS (screen reader) users together like never before. This free membership offers access to announcements, exclusive training sessions, and live Q&As with JAWS experts, celebrating 30 years of JAWS and fostering a space where users can connect, collaborate, and elevate their expertise.
In May 2024, Apple introduced innovative accessibility features such as Eye Tracking, Music Haptics, and Vocal Shortcuts. These enhancements facilitate navigation for users with physical disabilities, enable deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals to experience music via the Taptic Engine, and support task execution through customizable audio cues, underscoring Apple’s dedication to inclusive design.
In January 2024, Gentex Corporation acquired eSight, a leading provider of vision enhancement technologies, to develop and manufacture mobile electronic eyewear designed to help people living with visual impairments. Gentex featured eSight’s next-gen technology at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024.