Assistive Technology for Writing for the Visually Impaired

Assistive Technology for Writing for the Visually Impaired Joanna Owen Audra Maharaj Pearl Rajkumar The University of Trinidad and Tobago

Technology Can Make A Difference For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier; for people with disabilities, technology makes things possible. (IBM, 1991) This is true for writing too!

What is Assitive Technology • Assistive Technology is any “product, equipment or device, acquired commercially, modified or customised, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. . ” • (IDEA 2004)

Assistive Technology (AT) • ATs are often highly individualized • ATs emphasize the need for the students to change or improve to succeed with the curriculum • ATs often require planning, implementation, and continual adjustments by a specialist • ATs help students overcome barriers on a student-bystudent basis

Assistive Technology and Writing for the Visually Impaired v. Basic literacy skills must be taught first. v. The elements of the writing process – prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing remains the same for all persons.

Assistive Technology • Writing for the Visually Impaired starts with the use of the Low Technology devices and graduates to the use of the High Technology devices.

Low Technology Devices • • Raised Lines on Paper Signature Cards Handheld Magnifiers Swing Cell • Enlarged Print

Medium Technology Devices • Brailler • Clearvue Optelec • Jaws Software

High Technology Devices • Pearl Scanner • Braille Embosser • Mobile Devices

National Policy on Persons with Disability • Xii – Technical Aids and Equipment - Incentives to local companies which import or manufacture devices - The provisions of tax concessions to persons with disabilities on the purchase and maintenance of assistive devices.

Bonus • uacoe. arizona. edu/viliteracy/Braille_Les sons/perky_duck. htm How to Download and Use Perky Duck is a freeware program that allows your computer keyboard to emulate a braille writer. • www. hadley. edu/ Ninety tuition-free courses

The End