Living with color vision deficiency doesn't mean accepting constant confusion. Modern assistive technology for color blind people offers real solutions—from free apps that identify colors instantly to glasses that expand color perception. This guide covers what works, what doesn't, and how to choose the right tools for your needs.
Categories of Assistive Technology
Assistive technology for color blind people falls into several categories, each addressing different needs and situations:
Mobile Apps
Color identification, camera filters, and augmented reality overlays—always available in your pocket.
Desktop Software
System-wide color adjustments, browser extensions, and professional design tools.
Wearable Devices
Glasses that filter light to enhance color discrimination for certain types of CVD.
OS Accessibility Features
Built-in color filters in iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS—free and system-wide.
Smartphone Apps for Color Blindness
The smartphone is the most powerful assistive technology for color blind people—you already have it with you everywhere. Here are the most useful apps:
Color Identification Apps
Color Grab (Android/iOS)
Point your camera at any color and get its name, along with hex and RGB values. Works in real-time and includes color palettes.
Color Blind Pal (iOS)
Designed specifically for color blind users. Identifies colors and shows what colors look like to different types of CVD.
Colorblind Avenger (Android)
Real-time color identification with voice output. Particularly useful for quick checks when shopping or matching clothes.
Color Filter Apps
These apps apply real-time filters to your camera view, adjusting colors to make distinctions clearer:
- Daltonize Camera: Shifts colors in real-time to make red-green differences more visible
- ColorCorrector: Applies correction algorithms tuned to your specific CVD type
- Chromatic Vision Simulator: Shows how scenes appear to different CVD types (useful for understanding your own perception)
Operating System Accessibility Features
Every major operating system includes built-in color accessibility features—free assistive technology for color blind people that works system-wide.
iOS (iPhone/iPad)
- Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size
- Color Filters → Enable
- Choose: Red/Green (Protanopia, Deuteranopia) or Blue/Yellow
Also includes Color Tint for custom adjustments.
Android
- Settings → Accessibility → Color Correction
- Enable and select your correction type
- Options: Deuteranomaly, Protanomaly, Tritanomaly
Some manufacturers include additional color modes.
Windows 11/10
- Settings → Ease of Access → Color Filters
- Turn on color filters
- Select: Red-green (green weak), Red-green (red weak), or Blue-yellow
Win+Ctrl+C toggles filters instantly.
macOS
- System Settings → Accessibility → Display
- Color Filters → Enable
- Choose filter type and adjust intensity
You can set up a keyboard shortcut for quick access.
Color Blind Glasses: What You Should Know
Companies like EnChroma, Pilestone, and ColorCorrection have developed glasses marketed as assistive technology for color blind people. Here's a realistic overview:
Important Considerations
- •They don't cure color blindness: These glasses filter specific wavelengths to enhance color distinction, not restore normal color vision.
- •Results vary significantly: Effectiveness depends on the specific type and severity of CVD. Some people see dramatic improvement; others notice little difference.
- •They work best outdoors: Most are optimized for sunlight. Indoor effectiveness is often limited.
- •Price range: $100–$400 typically. Most companies offer return policies if they don't work for you.
Browser Extensions and Web Tools
For digital accessibility, browser extensions offer assistive technology for color blind people that works across the web:
Colorblindly (Chrome)
Simulates different types of color blindness on any webpage—useful for understanding accessibility issues or showing others what you see.
Daltonize (Chrome)
Adjusts webpage colors in real-time to make red-green distinctions clearer for your specific type of CVD.
High Contrast (Chrome/Firefox)
Increases contrast across all websites. Not CVD-specific but helps with color discrimination issues.
Practical Tips for Daily Life
Beyond specific assistive technology for color blind people, these strategies help in everyday situations:
- Ask for help when it matters: Shopping for clothes, matching outfits, identifying ripe produce—it's okay to ask
- Use your phone camera for quick checks: Zoom in on confusing colors and use identification apps
- Learn color positions: Traffic lights, charger indicators, and status LEDs often follow consistent patterns
- Label when possible: Color-coded items at home can be labeled or organized systematically
- Test your type: Take an Ishihara test or color perception test to understand your specific CVD type
Understand Your Color Vision
Take our free tests to understand your specific type of color vision deficiency and make better assistive technology choices.