Visual Impairment- According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of impaired is being in a less than perfect or whole condition, as disabled or functionally defective. A visual impairment is classified as either low vision or blindness. Someone with low vision has reduced vision, which means they don't see as well as they should. Someone that is blind is unable to see. Glasses, contact lenses, and surgery cannot help people that are blind or that have low vision. These impairments cannot be fixed, however there are different tools that can help them improve their functional capabilities.
Low-Tech Tools:
1. Physical Magnifying Lenses- provide screen magnification and come in different sizes. They can either stand freely in front of the monitor, or attach directly to the computer monitor. http://www.officeworld.com/Worlds-Biggest-Selection/KTKMAG15L/12Q1/ is selling a 15'' one for $99.99. |
2. Braille Keyboard Labels/Overlays- These are labels/overlays that are placed over the keys of a regular keyboard and convert the keys into Braille. The overlays are sold at http://www.maxiaids.com/products/2014/Braille-Overlays-for-Computer-Keyboards.html for $19.95. |
3. High Contrast (20/20-) Pen- This is a felt- tip pen that makes letters more visible due to its high contrast ink against light backgrounds. https://shop.aph.org/webapp/ wcs/stores/servlet/Product_20-20%20Pens_1149136P_10001_11051 sells a pack of 5 pens for $7.50. |
Mid-Tech Tools:
1. Large Key Calculators- They have oversized numbers to make them easier to see. Some calculators are large with large numbers. It is sold at http://www.lssproducts.com/category/calculators for $24.95. This specific calculator is as big as a piece of paper andhas a built-in speaker that says the numbers! |
2. Braille Writer- This is a typewritter that produces immediate text in Braille as it is being typed and has keys that are in Braille. It is made by Perkins and sold at https://secure2.convio.net/psb/site/Ecommerce?FOLDER=1180&store_id=1101&link=1&JServSessionIdr004 =tvtdvlfc31.app246a&__utma=1.192076551.1354519481. 1354519754.1354650052.3&__utmb=1.1.10.1354650052&__ utmc=1&__utmx=&__utmz=1.1354650052.3.3.utmcsr= google|utmccn(organic|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=perkins%20braille%20writer&__utmv=-&__utmk=116437254 for $710. |
3. Large Keyboard- A large keyboard can help someone with low vision. The large one inch keys help them be more visible. The keys are four times larger than a normal key. http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Large-Key-Large-Print-Keyboards/BigKeys-Plus has a large keyboard called BigKeys Plus for $126. This specific keyboard comes with the choice of colored keys or white keys and ABC key layout or standard QWERTY key layout. |
High-Tech Tools:
1. Screen Magnification Application- This is screen magnification software for the computer. Screen magnification applications provide more magnification than physical magnifying lenses. They also have several options and display modes. A screen magnification application sold at http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Screen-Magnification/ZoomText-Express is called ZoomText Express and starts at $49.99. Windows 7 and Mac OS X also have an automatic program that is for students that need greater magnification than physical magnifying lenses. (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Make-items-on-the-screen-appear-bigger-Magnifier) |
2. Screen Reader- This is software for the computer. The software provides auditory output for elements that are on the screen. It reads words and functions and is customizable. JAWS 12 is a screen reader that costs $895 at http://sales.freedomscientific.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=340014-001 |
3. Electronic Braille Notetaker- This is just like a regular laptop (minus the screen)! It has Wi-Fi, built-in speaker, built-in microphone, Bluetooth capability, speech output, and more! http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Notetakers/ Braille-Sense-Plus-QWERTY is selling on for $5,995. The Braille Sense Plus QWERTY has a QWERTY keyboard. |