WHITEPAPER: 8 HOUR EYES

 INTRODUCTION

The 8 Hour Eyes service is a social media and messaging based help center for vision-impaired teenagers and young adults in South Carolina. The service operates during the peak 8-hour work day, from Monday to Friday, to provide assistance, support, and guidance to individuals with vision impairments. This white paper outlines the need for such a service and explains how 8 Hour Eyes can provide a solution to the challenges faced by visually impaired young people in South Carolina.

Using messaging and social media tools can be incredibly helpful for blind people when it comes to navigating the world and completing everyday tasks. Here are some examples of how these tools can assist with specific activities:

1. Directions - Messaging and social media tools can be used to get directions and navigate unfamiliar places. Blind individuals can message friends, family members, or volunteers for help with directions or use GPS and navigation apps that integrate with messaging platforms. Additionally, some public transportation systems have chatbots or messaging tools that provide real-time transit information and updates.
2. Shopping - Blind individuals can use messaging tools to request assistance with shopping, such as help finding specific products or navigating a store. Some retailers have chatbots that provide product information and support, and blind individuals can use voice commands or screen readers to access and use these services.
3. Logistics - Messaging and social media tools can be used to coordinate logistics such as scheduling appointments or arranging transportation. Blind individuals can use messaging platforms to book rideshares, coordinate pickups and drop-offs, and communicate with service providers such as doctors' offices and pharmacies.
4. Public Safety - Messaging tools can be used to report safety concerns or request emergency assistance. Many cities have messaging services that allow individuals to report issues such as potholes, broken streetlights, or unsafe conditions. Blind individuals can also use messaging tools to request assistance in emergency situations.
5. Self-Reliant Activities - Messaging and social media tools can be used to assist with a wide range of self-reliant activities such as cooking, cleaning, and organizing. Blind individuals can message friends or family members for help with specific tasks or use apps and devices that integrate with messaging platforms to provide hands-free assistance.

Overall, messaging and social media tools can provide an invaluable source of support for blind individuals in the real world. By enabling easy communication and coordination, these tools can help blind individuals navigate unfamiliar places, complete everyday tasks, and maintain their independence and self-reliance.

     BACKGROUND

South Carolina has a population of around 5 million people, and according to the National Federation of the Blind, approximately 41,000 people in the state have vision impairments. Many of these individuals are teenagers and young adults who face significant challenges in their daily lives. Vision impairments can affect education, socialization, and career prospects, leading to isolation, depression, and unemployment.

While there are various organizations and resources available to support visually impaired individuals in South Carolina, there is a gap in service provision during the peak work and school day. Many young people with vision impairments may struggle to access support during the Summer, after school when they are completing homework or preparing for exams and after their time in school has finished. 

   SERVICE OVERVIEW

The 8 Hour Eyes service is designed to bridge this gap in service provision by providing a help center that is available during the peak 8-hour work day. The service utilizes social media and messaging tools, which are popular among young people, to make it easy and convenient for individuals with vision impairments to access support.

The 8 Hour Eyes service will be staffed by a team of trained operators, support staff and volunteers who are experienced in supporting individuals with vision impairments. The team will be available to provide advice, guidance, and emotional support to young people who need help with a range of issues, such as navigating their community, accessing resources, and dealing with social and emotional challenges.

To access the service, individuals can send a message to any of the 8 Hour Eyes social media accounts, use the messaging feature on the service's website or chat/message directly through the 8 Hour Eyes portal.  In addition to the online methods of contact a dedicated Google Voice (VOIP) phone number is established so that those who need the service may call in directly to the service. The service will respond promptly to all messages, providing confidential support and guidance tailored to the individual's needs. The service will also be available to answer phone calls during the 8-hour work day. By utilizing Zoom, Google Talk, Google Meet, Google Voice, Skype, Snapchat, Youtube, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp along with Instagram, Twitter, 8Hour Eyes is reachable by almost every viable social communication tool available.

BENEFITS 

The 8 Hour Eyes service offers several benefits to visually impaired teenagers and young adults in South Carolina, including:

1. Accessibility - The service is available during the peak 8-hour work and school day, making it easy and convenient for young people to access support when they need it.
2. Confidentiality - The service provides confidential support to individuals who may not feel comfortable discussing their issues with family members, friends, or teachers.
3. Expertise - The 8 Hour Eyes team includes trained professionals and volunteers who are experienced in supporting individuals with vision impairments.
4. Convenience - The service utilizes social media and messaging tools that are popular among young people, making it easy and convenient to access support

CONCLUSION

The 8 Hour Eyes service provides a much-needed solution to the challenges faced by visually impaired teenagers and young adults in South Carolina. By offering support during the peak 8-hour work and school day, the service makes it easier for young people to access the support they need to succeed in school, build social connections, and achieve their goals. The service's use of social media and messaging tools makes it convenient and accessible, and its team of trained professionals and volunteers ensures that individuals receive high-quality support and guidance. Overall, the 8 Hour Eyes service has the potential to transform the lives of visually impaired young people in South Carolina, providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive.