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UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL FOUNDATION 9UKZN Becomes First SA University to EMPOWER VISUALLY-IMPAIRED STUDENTS WITH SMART AI GLASSESMELISSA MUNGROOThe University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has become the first university in South Africa to provide Envision Smart AI Glasses to five visually impaired students, Mr Bright Sello, Ms Thandeka Ngcobo, Ms Londiwe Ndaba, Mr Siboniso Mabuza and Ms Thembisa Xolo.This initiative was made possible mainly through the efforts of the UKZN Foundation who approached assistive technology provider Sensory Solutions (Pty) Ltd to provide these glasses to the University%u2019s Disability Support Unit (DSU).The Envision Glasses use artificial intelligence (AI) to empower blind and visually-impaired users with the ability to read printed and digital text, recognise faces, navigate environments and access real-time descriptions of their surroundings %u2013 all through discreet audio feedback. Each pair of glasses costs about R75 000 and comes with lifetime software updates and technical support.%u2018UKZN is proud to lead the way in implementing advanced assistive technology that speaks to the needs of our diverse student body,%u2019 said Mr Amith Ramballie, Head of the University%u2019s Disability Support Unit. %u2018These glasses not only reflect our commitment to accessibility but also our belief in every student%u2019s right to learn, grow and succeed independently.%u2019He continued, %u2018This milestone is particularly significant because no other university in South Africa currently offers students access to this device. While wearable assistive technology has existed for years, previous models were often more expensive or lacked functionality and reliability.%u2019 At the core of the Envision Glasses is a high-definition camera