New technology improves everyday tasks for the disabled

MISSOULA, Mont. — A new app provided by the nonprofit technology organization MonTECH is helping provide resources for the disabled and elderly. The app is called Seeing AI. It reads, identifies people, money and more.

Dave Gentry says some simple things have gotten more difficult with time. “You have to ask people to navigate,” Gentry said.

It's been tough since he lost part of his vision when he was just 14 years old. He couldn't drive and had to rely on people. But that's changed thanks to Seeing AI.

“I can read my mail, and if I go to a restaurant I can read my menu,” Gentry said.

Gentry says he found the app, a Microsoft product, thanks to MonTECH. Outreach coordinator Shawna Hanson says users can test their products first.

“We are strictly a lending program, so we lend iPads that are loaded with apps that are meant to meet certain challenges. Apps for low vision, apps with practice with speech therapy,” Hanson said.

Seeing AI is a free app you can download on your Apple devices. It is said to be a game changer for those with disabilities.

“It will scan and read an item. This product can also scan and read handwriting, identify people, barcodes and scenery, light and colors,” Gentry said.

MonTECH doesn't sell anything. It's funded by $440,000 a year from the state. But, for people like Gentry, the bottom line isn't about money so much as it is about the chance to be more independent.