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Abstract
Digital drawing has historically been a significant challenge for blind individuals, with previous solutions requiring extensive imagination and technical skills. However, the Coughlan lab has been developing a groundbreaking "what you hear is what you get" drawing tool, revolutionizing this field. This innovative tool, powered by Audiom, enables blind users to create and edit complex shapes, maps, and art through auditory feedback. Users navigate a canvas using arrow keys, dropping points to form shapes and lines, which are then audibly represented, allowing for an intuitive and accessible drawing experience. Additionally, the tool supports the addition of sounds to objects, enhancing the creative process. This advancement not only facilitates artistic expression among the blind community but also offers educational applications, such as geometry assignments. With the ability to instantly share or export creations, this shape editor represents a significant leap forward in making digital drawing accessible to blind individuals. Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute is Listening to the Future of Navigation – Meet Engineer, Brandon Biggs (blindabilities.com)