The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has made history as the first South African university to offer Envision Smart AI Glasses to visually impaired students, marking a significant advancement in inclusive education.
Five students—Bright Sello, Thandeka Ngcobo, Londiwe Ndaba, Siboniso Mabuza, and Thembisa Xolo—received the high-tech glasses through a donation coordinated by the UKZN Foundation and assistive technology company Sensory Solutions. Each pair of glasses is valued at approximately R75,000.
The AI-powered Envision Glasses, built on the Google Glass platform, use a high-definition camera and advanced software to provide real-time audio feedback. They can read printed and digital text, recognize faces, and describe surroundings, offering vital support to users navigating academic and daily life. The device supports more than 60 languages.
UKZN stated that the recipients were chosen based on academic need, degree of visual impairment, and their readiness to use the technology effectively.
Bright Sello, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science student who is partially sighted, said he was overcome with emotion upon learning he would receive the device.
Amith Ramballie, head of the university’s Disability Support Unit, praised the initiative as a step forward in creating a more accessible academic environment.
“UKZN is proud to lead the way in implementing advanced assistive technology that speaks to the needs of our diverse student body,” Ramballie said. “These glasses reflect our belief in every student’s right to succeed independently. No other university in the country currently offers access to this kind of technology.”
The initiative reflects UKZN’s broader commitment to inclusive learning and ensuring students with disabilities can thrive in higher education settings.
Related topics:
