Assistive Technology Devices For The Blind

Tomorrow (June 1) is the anniversary of Helen Keller's death, which got me thinking about disabities and the Internet. There are already a number of assistive technology devices to help blind and deaf people use computers and access the Internet, but what do you think the future holds?

Well--as to current technology, I'm typing this using a combinedd magnifiication/voice synthesizer! :)

For persons with visual impairments, there's really two issues. One is compliance. Many websites continue to ignore the laws regarding accessibility--and that makes it difficult for disabled users. The laws are in place--the problem is lackluster enforcement on the part o f the federal agencies.

The other--specifically technical--is portable systems. I don't mean laptops--they work the same as desktops. However, many persons with disabilities (including those with impaired motion as well as vision) cannot use the various cellphones, blackberrys, etc. First of all, they hare two small--and manufacturers are reluctent to market adaptend versions with large keys, readouts, etc. When you add in trying to use such a device w/o being able to see prompts adnd menus, these gadgets are all but worthless.

That's particularly troubling for older persons. Studies have shown that a cellphone can be an invaluable assistive device--and a lifeline--for the aging population. But many are all but denied this option bcause there are no adaptive versions available.

For the hearing impaired, basic access is obviously not a problem. However, as voice input/output become more common, that is beginning to change. One of the more exciting efforts is research that can translate speech into signed English into mages on the computer screen (this may also apply toASL as well, but since it is a completely different language, not an analogue of English, that may take a lot longer).

Another technology--already available--are interpretive software software packages that can read scanned documents (e.g. PDF files) for blind users (this is handy for sightend users as well; such files can be saved as regular text/Word files). This is already becoming a common application among non-disabled users--one of many "crossover" technologies that sttarted as assistive technology and found wider applications.

2007-05-31 09:56:58 by Richard S - Y! Answers Team

This video demonstrates how JAWS allows a blind student/individual, Anna Garzya, to succeed in the school setting and everyday life activities.

I finally am getting things started with the state dept. of the blind, and one of the things they have suggested is to go to a rehabilitation center to learn independent living skills, get vocational rehab, and to learn how to use assistive technologies such as JAWS.

I am considering it, but I know very little about rehab centers.

As background for those who may not know, I am legally blind (my left eye sees ~1.5 feet and my right ~3 feet. This has been a gradual increase from light and dark perception only at the very beginning, then a decrease from a brief period of 20/60 in right eye and 20/200 in left...most of the decrease due to glaucoma spikes, I think. So now, I struggle to read even very large print on my computer (I am writing this in size 73, high contrast, and it is still very fuzzy...the equivalent, if not written by my own hand, takes a very long time for me to read anything). Though I manage well with things around me due to an assistant and assistive products such as stick-on bumps and a handheld magnifying device, it is becoming increasingly difficult for me to use the magnifying device, and what I could do before with my residual vision before, I am finding more and more difficult...

Anyway, so that's why I am considering going to a rehab center. They said that the program would be 1-4 weeks, and if I need it, I can go to another rehab center with a more in-depth program...the rehab center is 2 hours away, but is a live-in only...my husband is just returned from Iraq a week and a half ago, so I don't really want to part with him again after being apart for 14 months...

Anyone have a professional or experience-based opinion on rresidential rehab for blind and visually impaired versus classes during the day (transportation is a bit of a problem for us right now with our only car on the fritz, so maybe live-in is the best option, but...I'm not sure)?
I didn't need a lecture on needing to take care of my eyes. I follow my medication schedule to the T, don't overstrain my eyes, and I have been seeing specialists from the first month.

You have bad grammar, bad spelling, and you lecture me. That's nice that you have perfect vision...I never did, and doubt I ever will. Thanks for waving that in my face and bragging.

If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.

Hi. I'm somewhat low vision. No left perphial in both eyes. I live in San Francisco and thees a center for the blind. I'll say the benefits would be learning about new and better equipment that can help you. I dnt see how it could be a bad thing at all. I myself am considering reading braille

2008-12-30 20:38:16 by Jewel

Price: $169.00