Key facts
- Blind parents can now receive tactile 3D models of their babies' ultrasound scans.
- Reece Finnegan-Knight, who is blind, described the 3D model as making the experience feel more real.
- The 3D scan models are part of a pilot scheme by the charity Guide Dogs.
- Maternity notes are now available via apps accessible with screen readers.
- AI screen-reading apps can describe ultrasound images and read out scan results.
- Blind parents use various methods to prepare for their baby's arrival, including labeling clothes and organizing baby bags.
A new pilot scheme is enabling blind parents to experience tactile 3D models of their babies' ultrasound scans, offering a new way to connect with their unborn children. Reece Finnegan-Knight, who has been blind since his teens, described the 3D model of his 20-week scan as making the experience feel more real and allowing him to fully access the moment without relying on others' interpretations.
This innovation comes as technology continues to advance for visually impaired parents. For Kim and Sean Randall, the difference in technology between the births of their children 15 years apart was significant. Their youngest child's maternity notes were in an app accessible with a screen reader, giving Kim more control and an equal footing with other expectant parents. For scans, Sean researched the meaning of ultrasound measurements and used a specialist AI screen-reading app to have text read aloud and images described. Some parents prefer this audio description method over 3D models for the level of detail provided.
Beyond scans, blind parents are employing various strategies to prepare for their baby's arrival. Reece and his wife Sophy are labeling clothes and organizing the baby bag for easier access. Kim runs online groups for blind mothers, sharing tips such as using folding mats for nappy changes, marking syringes for accurate feeding, and using clothing with distinct textures or designs for easier identification. For toddlers, clipped bells can help track their location, and brightly colored clothing aids visibility for parents with partial sight. The Finnegan-Knights also received a hospital tour as an accessibility requirement to help Reece navigate the maternity ward independently.