Identification of the key considerations to design: assistive tools for blind lottery sellers in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Without the gift of sight, blind people bravely and independently navigate life, demonstrating that real vision is beyond what the human eye can see. This study examines the particular obstacles experienced by blind lottery sellers in Sri Lanka, namely in the Colombo District, where urban congestion makes it more difficult for the blind to work. Blindness is one of the most prevalent disabilities worldwide, with many visually impaired individuals in Sri Lanka turning to self-employment, such as lottery selling, as a primary income source. Approximately 60–70% of visually impaired individuals in Sri Lanka rely on self-employment due to limited access to higher education and formal employment. Considering their determination, a signifi cant research gap exists in understanding the specifi c challenges faced by blind lottery sellers compared to their sighted coworkers. Addressing this gap is essential because these individuals often face severe barriers that affect their safety, productivity, and economic independence. This study pinpoints psychological, physiological, social, and economic obstacles that directly impact the well-being and occupational stability of blind lottery vendors. The many challenges faced by blind lottery vendors include dangerous mobility in congested places, fi nancial exploitation, social shame, and ineffective handling of everyday duties such as managing tickets and cash. This study emphasises the critical need for assistive design solutions that support efficiency, safety, and independence. By emphasising the value of assistive tools, this study highlights how innovation may empower blind lottery sellers and reduce accessibility and equality barriers. The results indicate that in order to improve the sellers' capacity to carry out their duties independently and safely, need of specialised devices for navigation, a method for ticket and money management, and safety are necessary. By developing assistive tools that target these crucial areas can empower those in need by enhancing their economic stability, dignity, and quality of life.