[fb-exchange] Re: [IrelandVIPNews] Types of Assistive Technologies Available
- From: Gary Worn <garyworn@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: List for discussing news and issues relating to the visually impaired in Ireland <irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 06 Sep 2013 18:31:13 +0100
Dominique.
Great piece of information but I feel all this info should be tailered for the
general public also, it would let them know that blind/visually impaired can do
the same tasks that others done but we might even be faster at them.
Gary
Sent from Gary's IPhone.
On 6 Sep 2013, at 15:44, " Dominique Farrell" <hollyandopal@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Summary: The following section explains some of the technology that is
> available to those who are blind or vision impaired. If you have little or
> no vision, you may find it difficult or impossible to read printed items such
> as books, magazines, newspapers or even mail that comes through the door.
> Technology can help though. If the right technology is used, you will enjoy
> the same freedom to read as everyone else.
>
> Whatâs Available
>
> CCTVâs
>
> A closed circuit television, or CCTV, is a device that magnifies things so
> they are easier to see. It has a builtâin camera, which takes a picture of
> a printed page and shows it enlarged on a screen.
>
> CCTVâs come in different shapes and sizes, depending on what you want to
> do. Portable models help in situations where you need to move around a lot.
> They have their own screen. Some models can display the picture on your TV
> screen and allow you to change the colours of the text and background to
> whatever is easiest for you.
>
> Scanners
>
> A scanner is similar to a photocopier, but as well as taking a picture of a
> page it can read the text. Some scanners can speak the text out loud so they
> can read the daily newspaper to you, or your favourite magazine. All you have
> to do is place a page on the scanner and press a button. Most scanners need
> to be connected to a computer. The computer stores the text and can read it
> out to you, or you can add the text to an email or print it, even alter it
> using the computer.
>
> Reading and writing on a computer
>
> Many people with vision impairments all over the world use a computer every
> day at home or at work. Thanks to assistive software, they are able to do
> things on their computer which would previously not have been possible. Even
> people who are totally blind can do everything using only a keyboard.
>
> How does assistive software work?
>
> Screen magnification software
>
> Even if you have low vision, you may still be able to use the computer screen
> with the help of screen magnification software. This software enables the
> computer to enlarge the text on its screen so that a person with low vision
> can see it comfortably. It can also change the colours used and the amount of
> the screen that is enlarged at any one time.
>
> Magnification with speech
>
> Some screen magnification software gives the option of having the text on the
> screen spoken to you by the computer, as well as being magnified. This can be
> very useful if you want to do a lot of computer work but find that you can
> get eyestrain after a while.
>
> Screen Readers
>
> A screen reader is a piece of software that enables a person with no sight to
> use all the functions of a computer, making it possible for them to read and
> write documents, use the internet and send email, using only a keyboard and
> without needing to look at a computer screen. The screen reader speaks all
> the information that would appear on the screen. It is able to describe
> everything on the screen, including all the commands and buttons that you can
> use.
>
> Braille
>
> If you would rather read in Braille than have the text spoken to you, a
> Braille display may be what you need. This is like a miniature screen sitting
> in front of the keyboard, capable of displaying a line of Braille by raising
> and lowering small plastic pins. You can easily move your hands between the
> keyboard and the display and read the text which is displayed a line at a
> time. Braille displays come in several sizes, depending on the amount of
> information that you need to see at any one time. Many computer users who are
> blind or vision impaired use a Braille display in conjunction with speech
> output.
>
> Braille printers
>
> A Braille printer, also called an embosser, enables a person to print things
> in Braille from their computer. Several types of Braille printers are
> available, capable of printing different levels of Braille and at different
> speeds. Braille translation software is used to prepare documents before they
> are sent to the Braille printer.
>
> Portable note takers
>
> If you are blind or vision impaired and would like to be able to take notes
> in a classroom, lecture hall, or while you are on the move, a note taker may
> be just the thing for you. These small, portable devices enable you to type
> in and read back notes using a built in refreshable Braille display or speech
> output. They may also include other useful functions, like an address book,
> telephone dialler, diary, calculator or alarm clock. There is a range of
> models available with different keyboards. Some can be connected to a
> computer to save notes you have made. The most advanced units have the full
> functionality of a laptop computer.
>
> List of Software Sites
>
> Here is a list of assistive technologies currently on the market.
>
> Screen Reading Software
>
> Jaws â www.freedomscientific.com/product-portal.asp
> Thunder- www.screenreader.net
> Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) â www.nvda-project.org
> Screen Magnification / Reading Software
>
> Zoomtext â www.aisquared.com
> Dolphin â www.yourdolphin.com
> Lighting â www.itzooms.com
> The Dolphin Guide
> Dolphin Guide is simple talking computing for people that are blind or vision
> impaired and are new to computers. The Guide is easy to learn and includes
> everything youâll need to get started. This Guide keeps it simple, with
> step by step choices.
>
> Training Websites
>
> Jaws Training Resource
>
> Useful Websites
>
> Easy Links
> The following site contains links to text only websites covering news and
> information.
> AbilityNet
> AbilityNet is a national charity which aims to assist adults and children
> with disabilities to use computers and the internet by adapting and
> adjusting their technology. Read their advice about about hardware options
> and software options
> Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) â Web Access Centre
> RNIB is the UKâs leading charity offering information, support and advice
> to over two million people with sight loss.
> Old Versions of Software
> This site contains links to old versions of software.
> Blind Cool Tech
> Blind Cool Tech is a podcast that brings some fun, education, and variety
> into your mp3 player. The show provides interviews, brings you along on
> sound seeing tours, and discusses life and cool technology, especially
> technology that blind people can use.
> Disabled World
> This site contains short reviews and links to screen readers that are both
> free to download, and screen readers that offer a free trial and can be
> purchased online.
> VIP Email Technical Support List
>
> This list aims to provide a resource where you can email your technical
> issues and share your technical knowledge with other people who are blind or
> vision impaired.
>
> The subscription address for the list is Vip_students-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
> Place the word subscribe in the subject field of the email and send.
>
> Get support on assistive technology
>
> For technical support on assistive technology you are currently using,
> contact the technical support service Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm on
> LoCall 1850 33 43 53.
>
> To arrange an appointment with a technology trainer contact 1850 33 43 53 or
> talk to your community resource worker.
>
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> IrelandVIPNews@xxxxxxxx
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