I was brought up as a sighted kid. I thought that’s how you conquer the world. And without your vision, how do you even do it?
~Sakshi Srivastava
Editor’s Note
In this month’s Cane EnAbled feature, we introduce Sakshi Srivastava, co-founder and CEO of SensAble, an innovative assistive technology startup in Tampa, Florida. Sakshi’s journey from a sighted individual to a visually impaired entrepreneur showcases the power of resilience and the transformative potential of assistive technology.
Today, Sakshi and her husband, Dr. Harshit Srivastava, are developing Vizion 1, a wearable device that aims to revolutionize independent mobility for the visually impaired by combining obstacle detection with navigation assistance. As they prepare for the product’s launch in 2026, Sakshi invites the community to help shape this groundbreaking technology.
Watch Sakshi’s video or, for those who prefer reading, find the transcript below. Enjoy!
Stephanae McCoy
Editor-in-Chief, Bold Blind Beauty
Beyond Sight Magazine Cover
YouTube Video
Sakshi’s Personal Journey
Hi, my name is Sakshi. I’m the co-founder and CEO of SensAble, an assistive technology startup located out of Tampa, Florida. But before I tell you about the exciting product we are building at SensAble, allow me to share a bit about myself.
I was born sighted in the capital city of India. At 19, I started losing my vision, by the time I was 25, I was officially legally blind. That was also the time that I was building my very first organization which we took from two co-founders all the way to about 30 employees. However, when I was going through my worst vision loss, I had no clue how to keep going. I was brought up as a sighted kid. I thought that’s how you conquer the world. And without your vision, how do you even do it?
All of that changed as soon as I was introduced to assistive technology, as well as assistive tools like our beloved white cane. I started using them and not only did it help me do those activities, which I thought forever lost for me it also gave me a lot of hope that there are intelligent people, there are tools and services and people like myself who are using them, this whole ecosystem that I can reach out to if I want to do something and I can do anything as long as I have the right tools in my hand.
Meeting Dr. Harshit and Developing Vizion 1
Fast forward a few years later, I met a wonderful man, his name is Dr. Harshit Srivastava and we fell in love, we got married, we started living together and he happened to be a PhD in electrical engineering, having worked for years with giants like MediaTek and Huawei. I’ve seen him build products from scratch, et cetera, et cetera, brilliant geek, all in all.
He decided to build a device for me because he saw me struggling with just one thing in life that was independent mobility. I was always very reluctant to go from my house to this new place to explore all by myself. It’s not just about safety, but also about the number of devices I had to juggle along with my white cane. I had to do all this pre-work of memorizing the path. I had to use multiple devices while I was walking. So all in all, I was reluctant to go anywhere by myself, especially if I had to walk. He decided to build a device to address that particular limitation and make the whole journey much, much smoother.
Vizion 1 Features and Future Plans
So here’s a quick demo. Step left. Continue straight.
As you can see, it’s able to combine the functionalities of Google Maps as well as our obstacle-detecting devices. Two best parts of it. One, it’s extremely affordable, unlike a lot of fantastic assistive technology that is out there and only a few of us are able to access, our Vizion 1 is going to be accessible to every single person financially as well.
Two I think this is the best part. We can actually use it with our existing tools, that is white canes as well as guide dogs. There will be no interference. We don’t have to give up our trusted devices unless we are fully sure of Vizion 1. It’s going to enhance that entire experience and fill out all the remaining gaps so perfectly seamlessly that you won’t even realize that it’s there.
It’s hands-free. It will tell you stop, start, left, right, go, everything through haptics as well as alert you about obstacles within the range of five meters. If that sounds interesting to you, if you live in Florida, if it’s a assistive tech. Get you excited. Please reach out. I’d love to hear from you.
We’d love your feedback. We plan to launch only 2026. 2025 is all about development and testing. We want your feedback and we want to use your feedback to actually shape the product. This product has to be what the community really wants. So If it sounds interesting, please reach out. You’ll find me on almost every social channel and I’m also a content creator. Feel free to follow if you like my content and I’d love to hear from you.
Sakshi Srivastava’s Bio
Sakshi is the co-founder of SensAble, a technology startup enhancing mobility for individuals who are blind, have low vision, or are visually impaired. Born sighted, began losing vision at age 19, she especially understands the need to maintain maximum independence as one goes from sighted to visually impaired. Her experience as a legally blind individual inspired SensAble’s mission to improve independent navigation through practical and accessible solutions.
A two-time impact entrepreneur, Sakshi previously led Bucket List, an initiative supporting underprivileged children’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This hands-on experience taught her that even small efforts can create significant impact, a belief that continues to drive her work at SensAble.
At SensAble, co-founder and CTO Harshit is dedicatedly developing Vizion 1, a sleek ankle wearable that complements canes and guide dogs with advanced haptic feedback and multi-directional sensors. Vizion 1 allows users to explore new environments without extensive pre-planning by providing real-time, obstacle-based directions through haptics and audio. Vizion 1 is currently in testing and has secured partnerships with organizations like Accessible Pharmacy.
Through SensAble’s podcast, Sakshi promotes accessibility and inclusion by amplifying diverse voices and challenging societal perceptions of disability. As blindness rates are expected to double by 2050, her work focuses on creating practical solutions that empower individuals and foster a more accessible world.
Learn More About SensAble
- Website: https://www.besensable.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensablewearables/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@besensable
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/besensable
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/besensable/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sensable-Wearables/61559854206280/
- Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/sensablevizion1/
Like what you’ve read and want to chat about it? Join us in the Bold Blind Beauty Facebook group.
Connecting With Bold Blind Beauty
Image Descriptions
- The Beyond Sight Magazine header photo features Sakshi Srivastava standing against a plain background. She has long, wavy hair and is wearing a white button-up shirt. The scene is indoors, and a striking element is the red smoke or powder that partially surrounds her head and upper body. The text on the cover includes the magazine’s tagline, ‘A Bold Blind Beauty Project,’ and identifies the issue as February 2025. The overall mood of the cover is empowering and artistic, with a modern, minimalist design that draws attention to the contrast between the white shirt and the vibrant red smoke.
- YouTube Video: Sakshi is recording in a room, with a cabinet behind her, featuring white doors and brown side panels. Her long, curly black hair cascades down her shoulders. She is wearing an olive-green top adorned with a striking black necklace, and her nose is pierced. We see that she is positioned in front of a large black microphone, with the “gain” toggle clearly visible, as she begins sharing her personal story and the product SensAble is developing.
- A trio photo collage
- This image depicts an outdoor waterfront scene with Sakshi standing casually on a sunlit brick walkway. She is holding a drink in her left hand and resting her right arm on a metal railing. She is wearing a white T-shirt with text across the front, khaki pants, and white sneakers. A vibrant red and colorful patterned crossbody bag hangs across her torso. In the background, tall buildings form the skyline, and another person, a man dressed in blue, is seen near the water’s edge, possibly fishing or doing some activity. The atmosphere appears relaxed and pleasant, with soft sunlight and a partially cloudy sky.
- The image depicts an urban outdoor parking lot at sunset, with Sakshi standing in the center. Her long hair is pulled up and she wears a light-colored top and beige pants, and holds her hands above her head. The parking lot is filled with various cars, and towering buildings are visible in the background, illuminated by the warm hues of the setting sun. A sense of calmness and end-of-day stillness pervades the scene. The sky transitions from blue to orange, and the tallest building has a blue light at its peak, adding a touch of modernity to the cityscape.
- Sakshi is standing outdoors in a residential area, with apartment buildings visible in the background. She is wearing a floral dress with vibrant colors such as pink, green, and blue. A wide-brimmed hat adorns her head, and she holds one of its tassels in her right hand. She carries a red and pink purse over her shoulder and wears pink slide sandals. The woman appears relaxed, as if enjoying a casual summer day. The scene is bright and suggests a warm, pleasant atmosphere. The overall mood is carefree and sunny, with the greenery and clear skies contributing to a serene setting.
- A trio photo collage
- A small, sleek electronic device with a matte black and metallic grey finish, set against a completely black background. The device has a modern, curved design with a central metallic grey panel that bears a Bluetooth symbol, indicating connectivity features. The surrounding frame is matte black, tapering slightly inward towards the center. Texture-wise, it appears smooth and polished. The lack of additional elements or context in the image suggests an emphasis on the device itself, possibly highlighting its sophisticated design and functionality. The overall atmosphere is minimalist and high-tech, evoking a sense of modernity and efficiency.
- A sleek, modern ring positioned against a black background. The ring is metallic with a dark blue hue and a smooth surface, giving it a polished, futuristic appearance. A prominent feature is the inner side of the ring which shows sensors or electronic components. The scene is minimalistic with a focus solely on the ring, creating an impression of advanced technology and sophistication. The mood conveyed is one of elegance and high-tech innovation, with no people present in the image.
- An indoor setting with several individuals engaged in a meeting around white tables. On the left, a man in a beige suit appears to be conversing with others. In the background, vibrant artwork featuring colorful abstract patterns adorns the wall, while to the right, the backdrop comprises modern glass office doors and dark blue walls. The scene portrays a professional and collaborative atmosphere, likely within a co-working space or conference area. The overall mood seems productive and inclusive, with people of different backgrounds coming together for a shared purpose. The text at the bottom reads, ‘Embarc Collective x Hutchison INVESTOR FLY-IN OFFICE HOURS.
- Two photo collage
- Sakshi is standing in an indoor setting, likely an office or a workspace. She has long, curly dark hair and a cheerful demeanor, with a wide smile on her face. She is wearing a black blazer over a white blouse with orange floral patterns, paired with black leggings and black boots. The floor beneath her is a textured, beige color with a distressed, earthy appearance. She stands in front of a modern interior that includes a glass-paneled door and cream-colored walls with dark trim. She is wearing a prototype of Vizion 1 on her left ankle.
- A close-up of a Sakshi’s lower leg and foot indoors. She is wearing dark blue pants and gray athletic shoes with a white sole and subtle red accents. Attached around the ankle above the shoe is a device that looks like an electronic gadget, secured with a black strap and featuring wires that connect to it. The ankle device has a white covering with small holes. The background includes a carpeted floor with a grey and white pattern, and part of a wall and a doorframe are visible.