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Clarke Reynolds, a visually impaired artist and runner, is preparing to take on a marathon in a groundbreaking way by using innovative technology that enables sighted volunteers to see through his eyes and guide him remotely in real time. At 45 years old, Reynolds combines his passion for art and advocacy by creating tactile pieces using braille, helping to raise awareness about sight loss. Running has become another platform for him to share his story and inspire others.
Known also by his alter ego, “Mr. Dot,” Reynolds travels throughout the country teaching braille through art in schools. He has been visually impaired in one eye since childhood but began losing sight in his other eye about 13 years ago, a diagnosis he recalls being told bluntly by doctors: “Mr. Reynolds, do you drive? … Hand over your licence, you’re going blind.” His current vision is described as being “underwater,” where he can detect shapes, shadows, and some color, yet he continues to create visual art, including a braille mosaic replica of Nirvana’s “Nevermind” album cover.
Reynolds’ running journey includes completing the London Marathon with a physical guide, but his upcoming attempt at the Brighton Marathon will be different. Instead of a traditional guide runner, he will be connected through an app called Be My Eyes to a global network of sighted volunteers. Using smart glasses equipped with a camera and speakers, these volunteers will see what Reynolds sees and communicate with him, providing directions and descriptions during the entire 26.2-mile race. “They tell me if there’s a bin or there’s a parked car through the glasses — but the majority of the time we’re just discussing, ‘what is sight loss?’” Reynolds explains.
The use of this technology is a novel application of an app typically used for everyday tasks, such as identifying buttons on a remote control. Participants who assist Reynolds hear his voice prompt with “Hey Meta, come be my eyes,” enabling them to guide him safely during the run. He likens the experience to having a Peleton bike coach: “They are not only my eyes but my cheerleaders too.” So far, over 100 volunteers from around the world, including as far away as Jordan, have signed up to support him. Organized by Fight for Sight, the charity for which Reynolds serves as an ambassador, this network will have a backup guide runner on race day in case of any technical issues. Reflecting on his journey from diagnosis to his marathon ambitions, Reynolds shares, “If you had told me 13 years ago that I’d be an ambassador for a major charity and I’d be inspiring visually impaired children around the world, I’d never have believed you.”
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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