Tools for Accessing Printed Information for Children Who Are Blind or Low Vision
A variety of high-tech tools exists to help people who are blind or low vision get access to printed information that others can read without assistance. Your child may use a video magnifier to help see the print more easily. If your child does not read print, there are devices that can convert print to electronic files that can be read with braille or listened to. Some of these assistive technology tools are described here.
Video Magnifiers or CCTVs
A video magnifier, also known as a closed-circuit television system (CCTV), allows children who have low vision to view an enlarged image of text or pictures that are placed under a camera. The image is displayed on a monitor or television. There are video magnifying systems that are mounted on a permanent stand and are very powerful. However, they are not easily moved as well as portable hand-held systems that can travel with the user from place to place.
Regardless of which type of video magnifier is used, the concept is the same. Your child places the material to be viewed under the camera, and the camera projects the image onto the screen. Your child can increase the size of the image and change the color of the text and the background. Some models connect to a computer which allows the student to use one monitor for both systems. The computer screen can be split with half the screen showing the information from the computer and half showing the information under the video magnifier’s camera.
A video magnifier is also considered to be an optical device because it changes the image of the material seen by the eye.
Scanners and Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
Scanners have now become a global technology that many students use to complete their schoolwork. A scanner is combined with special software that can recognize letters, known as optical character recognition (OCR) software. However, they become an assistive technology tool that can transform print into alternative formats that can be read by people who are blind or low vision.
For example, if your child receives a homework assignment in print, they can use a scanner connected to a computer or the camera of a smartphone or tablet to scan the printed document and convert it into an electronic file that can be displayed as text on the computer monitor or mobile device. The child can then read this text using several different methods, such as a screen reading program, a screen magnification program, or a refreshable braille display. If your child wants to print the assignment, a word processing program can be used to print it in many print sizes and fonts. Or, your child can convert the file into braille with a braille translation program and emboss it (print it in braille) with a braille embosser. The text can also be transferred to an accessible PDA (personal digital assistant), known as a notetaker, and accessed using this device.
Some people with visual impairments use conventional OCR software, while others prefer a specialized scanning system. Some visually impaired users prefer a reading machine, which is a stand-alone system with a scanner, the OCR software, and voice output all in one unit. After the page is scanned, the user can listen to its contents.
Braille Translation Software
Print material that is in electronic format (either typed or scanned into a computer) can be translated or converted into braille by using a braille translation program. Typically these programs are used by teachers of students with visual impairments or teaching assistants along with a braille embosser to produce materials in braille for blind students.
During middle school or high school, some students begin to take responsibility for preparing their own braille materials using a scanner, OCR software, a braille translation program, and a braille embosser. If your child will find this ability helpful in college or later at work, it would be a good idea for him to learn how to do it during high school. You’ll want to discuss with other education team members whether this is an appropriate activity for your child. For more information about braille production, visit aph.org. APH also offers Braille Blaster, a free braille translation software.
Braille Embossers (Printers)
A braille embosser is a piece of hardware that can be thought of as a braille printer. Rather than printing documents in ink print, the braille embosser produces material in braille. To get correctly formatted and translated braille, the embosser must be connected to a computer that has braille translation software on it. Most embossers produce braille only; however, some are also capable of producing raised images of graphics. For more information about visit aph.org.
Audiobooks
Perhaps you’ve listened to a book on a mobile device as you’ve taken a long drive. Audiobooks are part of mainstream culture. Your child can take advantage of the same audiobooks as others. They also can use audiobooks that have some additional features for people who are blind or low vision.