Assistive Technology For the Visually Impaired Screen Reader

Assistive Technology For the Visually Impaired

Screen Reader • A program that combines sound and picture to help explain what is on the computer screen. • Scenario: Mark has very low vision and has troubling seeing, he can use the screen reader to help him. • Academic gains include availability in most languages, Speech or braille, works with most operating systems, use email, read internet articles, create word documents. • Barriers: A blind person doesn’t know correct spelling of unfamiliar words, computer sounding voice, and it reads everything (ex. H-t-t-p-colon).

Closed Circuit Magnification • A device that can enlarge words and objects on a screen for easier viewing. • Scenario: Students are assigned to research about Christopher Columbus. Stephanie has low vision and can use this device to see more clearly. • Academic gains: up to 82 x magnification, viewing platform for books, viewing modes with lighting and color. • Barriers: Eye fatigue, less portable than other devices.

Braille Translation Devices • Used to translate screen words and formatting into readable braille. • Scenario: Students are instructed to read “October Sky”. Luke is completely blind and deaf. He can use this device to still read the story. • Gains: Can run on smartphones, personal computers, or on a network server. • Barriers: Can be very bulky if a large book, requires acute sense of touch.

Assistive Technology For the Developmentally/ Physically Challenged

Adaptive Keyboard • A keyboard that reduces the strain on the user by alphabetizing the letters. • Scenario: Students are asked to do an assignment on the computer. Adam has tremors and cannot use a regular keyboard. • Gains: Focus more on task, customizable, programmable, flat, and type with fewer key strokes. • Barriers: Touch sensitive

Alternate Communication Devices • A device that helps those with Down’s Syndrome, Autism, and other illnesses communicate easily. • Scenario: Students are assigned to work with a partner practicing their vocabulary words. Henry is autistic and will need another way of communicating with his partner. • Gains: Engage in communication through pictures, sounds, and symbols. • Barriers: Difficult to operate, expensive, and bulky.

Adaptive Student Desks • For children with neurological impairments, these desks adjust to their needs. • Scenario: Maria uses a wheelchair and cannot use a regular desk. She needs something designed just for her. • Gains: Adjust height and leg stirrups, child can be supported in stand-up position, independent use, additional storage space. • Barriers: Bulky

Assistive Technology For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Personal Amplification Device • Audio enhancer that directly increases the sound of noise around the user. • Scenario: Mario is deaf but uses a hearing aid and can use this device. • Gains: Control sound intensity and volume, reduces background noise, benefits all listeners. • Barriers: Placement of speakers (if not using ear piece).

Audio/Visual Communication Devices • Combine residual hearing with closer views of mouth movement to enhance understanding. • Scenario: Annette is hard of hearing and seeing. She can use this device when hearing her teacher lecture. • Gains: Students can see the words, ASL that is being said, documents easily translated, allows for voice recognition. • Barriers: Some only allow certain time frames, some for only basic communication needs/wants, some require batteries or plug in, and may be bulky.

Voice to Text Translation • A software device that captures spoken words and translates into readable text on a screen. • Scenario: Emily is instructed to listen to a number of vocabulary words and write them down. She can use this device to translate the words into text since she cannot use her hands. • Gains: Can be used on cell phone, allows student to read the text without using a keyboard and increased productivity. • Barriers: Requires microphone, typos, may need to make corrections to punctuation, and limited library of words.

Resources • http: //atcoalition. org/article/text-speech-readers-people-learningdisabilities • http: //www. enhancedvision. com/low-vision/cctv-magnifiers. html • http: //webaim. org/articles/motor/assistive • http: //voices. yahoo. com/a-way-children-autism-communicate 5636354. html? cat=70 • http: //www. eastersealstech. com/2013/05/01/adaptive-studentdesks/ • http: //www. abledata. com/abledata. cfm? pageid=19327&top=1344 6&deep=2&trail=22, 13436&ksectionid=0&startpage=2&orgid=0&di scontinued=0 • http: //lintilivoicerecognitionsoftware. blogspot. com/2011/03/advantages-anddisadvantages-of-voice. html