Assistive Technology Options for Blind Youth during the Transition - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

assistive technology options for blind youth during the
SMART_READER_LITE
LIVE PREVIEW

Assistive Technology Options for Blind Youth during the Transition - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Assistive Technology Options for Blind Youth during the Transition Years Arielle Silverman, Ph.D. July 9, 2018 What is assistive technology (AT)? AT assists with disability-related access needs. For people who are blind or visually


slide-1
SLIDE 1

Assistive Technology Options for Blind Youth during the Transition Years

Arielle Silverman, Ph.D. July 9, 2018

slide-2
SLIDE 2

What is assistive technology (AT)?

  • AT assists with disability-related access needs.
  • For people who are blind or visually impaired, AT converts print into

an accessible reading medium.

  • Enables the blind user to read, write, and use computers without

relying on print.

slide-3
SLIDE 3

Devices and Outputs

  • Large print: software or a video magnifier to enlarge print on the

computer screen.

  • Text-to-speech: computer software reads screen contents aloud,

using the computer speakers.

  • Braille: specialized notetaking device or braille display uses

refreshable pins to display braille.

slide-4
SLIDE 4

Hardware: Computer Based AT

  • Assistive software can be run on a standard computer.
  • Examples: ZoomText, Magic, JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver
  • Advantages: multiple modalities; inexpensive; computers are

powerful

  • Disadvantages: less portable; not all applications work with assistive

software

slide-5
SLIDE 5

Hardware: Braille Notetakers

  • Specialized PDAs with built-in braille and speech output.
  • Brands: Braille Note, Pac Mate, Braille Sense
  • Advantages: self-contained; portable; easy to use; braille integration
  • Disadvantages: expensive; not very powerful OS
slide-6
SLIDE 6

Hardware: Mobile Devices and Tablets

  • Magnification or text-to-speech software run on a mobile device or

tablet, with optional braille display connected.

  • Examples: VoiceOver (iPhone and iPad); Zoom; TalkBack (Android).
  • Advantages: mainstream device; multiple modalities; relatively

affordable.

  • Disadvantages: not very powerful OS; may not be able to handle

academic demands.

slide-7
SLIDE 7

Peripheral Devices

  • Closed-circuit television (CCTV): produces video magnification of

print.

  • Scanner: converts print to a digital image which can be converted to

speech or braille.

  • Braille embosser: used to produce hard-copy braille.
slide-8
SLIDE 8

Choosing the Right AT

  • What are the academic expectations?
  • Which modality works best for the student?
  • What nonacademic tasks does the student wish to perform with AT?
slide-9
SLIDE 9

Technology Goals for Transitioning Students

  • Independent notetaking skills.
  • Computer skills: word processing, spreadsheets, presentations.
  • Web searching and email skills.
  • Ability to explore and self-teach new technology.
slide-10
SLIDE 10

Contact Information

  • Disability Wisdom Consulting
  • 240-630-1154
  • Arielle@disabilitywisdom.com
  • www.disabilitywisdom.com