There are many things that able-bodied people don't realise are difficult for non-able-bodied people. For one thing, installing ramps into building so people who use wheelchairs can enter. However, the problems with living in an able-bodied world extend further than that. There are so many things that people don’t realise others struggle with; simple because they never have.

Luckily, there's an app for everything these days; truly. This app, called “Be My Eyes,” allows sighted volunteers to sign up and receive video calls from people who experience blindness and help them with simple tasks. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices.   

The app has been gaining a lot of attention on social media.

So i downloaded this app called “Be my eyes” awhile ago. You get FaceTime calls from blind people all over the world & help them with whatever task it is that they need help w/. I just got my first call & helped this lady pick out almond milk. Something so small made her day 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/iCCvVBdgw0

— Steven (@Elsmoove_) June 30, 2019

The founder of Be My Eyes, Hans Jørgen Wiberg, said:

“It's my hope that by helping each other as an online community, Be My Eyes will make a big difference in the everyday lives of blind people all over the world.”

The website describes ten common ways that people use the app

Including, but not limited to:

1. Finding lost or dropped items 
2. Describing pictures, paintings or other pieces of artwork 
3. Matching or explaining colours 
4. Reading labels on household products
5. Reading on computer screens if websites are inaccessible or screen readers are not available
6. Shopping in supermarkets 
7. Identifying the expiration date on perishable food packages
8. Familiarising yourself with new places 
9. Distinguishing between food items 
10. Finding out when public transportation (busses, trains, etc.) are departing or arriving

The app sends volunteers a notification when someone requires their help

Yes! @BeMyEyes is an awesome app! And the people are always so thankful. I just helped someone earlier.

Please sign up, y’all. Especially if you’re an English speaker. The last couple of visually impaired people I’ve helped said it’s hard to get an English speaker sometimes ☹️ pic.twitter.com/psl7omHOyq

— Auntie Kam (@mimireshee) July 1, 2019

These are hard enough for people who can see; surely there should be an alternative for people who can't?

I have this and I had to help a lady complete one of those “prove you’re not a robot by clicking the squares that have cars” tests 😭🥰 it was hard

— Coca Cola ™ Representative (@cokercolerrr) July 1, 2019

Most of the tasks are simple things most of us wouldn't think twice about

Got my first call today, it was a guy asking me if his tea was green tea he was too pure pic.twitter.com/PoovGG5LB5

— gia (@gia54794321) July 3, 2019

Users have helped people match outfits

This morning I got my first call on the “Be my eyes” app. It’s a app for blind people to FaceTime u be there eyes. This man wanted to know what color was his pants and did they have a design on them!! I’m so happy I could help😭🥰😭🥰 pic.twitter.com/mV1DCaQLYJ

— Taylor (@1tayls_) July 3, 2019

And blind people are grateful for the help!

It makes life easier for people

And, overall, the reviews are positive!

It helps people regain some of their independence

So many things are inaccessible; you just don't realise if you've never had a problem accessing it

The app has over two million volunteers!

It's an incredible idea, which started in Denmark in 2012. Hans Jørgen Wiberg, a visually impaired person, was working with the The Danish Association of the Blind, and realised that people often need help with basic, every day tasks.

His friend told him that he video called his friends and family for help. This was the inspiration behind Be My Eyes. But instead of having to depend on family and friends, the app uses volunteers from around the world.

I stumbled across an app called, be my eyes. Where you can help strangers who are blind/bad eye sight.

Has anyone’s used it?

Such a great idea !! pic.twitter.com/FeiXI8ZZ1s

— Tabitha Lyons (@Artyfakes) July 3, 2019

From reading ingredients on products...

So I just got my first call on the “Be my eyes” app 🙌🏽 It’s an app for blind people to FaceTime you... to be their eyes. This lady wanted to know what products she had 😭 !! I’m so happy I could help 😭😭♥️ Everyone download it... something so small made her day ♥️ pic.twitter.com/CYZyOrJxjD

— 𝓜𝓲𝓪🍒 (@Mia_SN) July 8, 2019

... To helping someone pick a matching outfit.

i just got my first call from this “be my eyes” app which is where blind people can video call someone to help them & the lady asked me to help her pick out a matching outfit that would look good to go out with her son who was coming home from college, pls that’s so cute

— lindsey (@cryingwithmila) July 6, 2019

The app gives people the confidence to ask for help

"Now I'm more comfortable asking for help when I'm out and about, because I've sort of done it in a virtual setting, whereas before I wouldn't do it in a face-to-face setting" - Sarah, #blind user from Ireland #BeMyEyes #BeMyEyesApp #CommunityStories pic.twitter.com/1o3TpxyQSW

— Be My Eyes (@BeMyEyes) July 5, 2019

People were initially hesitant to try it out...

With a little trepidation, I used the Be My Eyes app for the first time this evening – to check that my cocktail dress matched my heels. The volunteer was super helpful and I feel confident in my outfit and ready for a lovely summer evening out :) @BeMyEyes

— Stacy Scott (@mydarnkidneys) July 6, 2019

Volunteers and users both love the experience!

I just had my second call as a volunteer!! I helped a blind person see her crockpot setting and find the Sriracha (🌶!!) with the Be My Eyes app @BeMyEyes AND she shared her Mac and Cheese recipe with me! I’m so proud to be a member of this community!! 💗 https://t.co/UF0RbWGRk3

— Lynn Anne Rice (@lynnannerice) May 28, 2019

The fact that there are so many volunteers is amazing!

So I have an app called Be My Eyes and basically you help out a visually impaired/blind person. And there’s like 3x the amount of volunteers than there are blind people so it’s rare as fuck to get a call but I just helped a lady take the right medicine

— Natasha (@nattsandhu13) June 17, 2019

The testimonials speak for themselves

"Be My Eyes is really impacting my #independence greatly. I will not stop using #BeMyEyes, because it's part of me, it's part of my independence." - Krissy, blind user from the Philippines. #BeMyEyesApp #CommunityStories pic.twitter.com/OWVb5qcZN7

— Be My Eyes (@BeMyEyes) April 17, 2019

What are you waiting for?! Download the app today!

Find it in the Apple app store here and on Google Play here.

Hi y’all!! There’s this app called Be My Eyes and it’s amazing. It allows blind people to call you for help on different things. I just took a call for a lady who needed to know when her sour cream expired. highly suggest y’all get it & give back a lil more this year!

— ash (@ashhhun) January 3, 2019