Assistive Technology

Technology has removed many barriers to education and employment for visually impaired individuals. Students with visual impairments can complete homework, do research, take tests, and read books along with their sighted classmates, thanks to advances in technology. Adults with visual impairments can continue to work and pursue a tremendous range of careers because of the use of computers and other devices.

These include:

• Assistive technology programs that run on off-the-shelf computers can speak the text on the screen or magnify the text in a word processor, web browser, e-mail program or other application
  
  
• Stand-alone products designed specifically for people who are blind or visually impaired, including personal digital assistants (PDAs) and electronic book players provide portable access to books, phone numbers, appointment calendars, and more.
  
  
• Optical character recognition systems scan printed material and speak the text. Braille embossers turn text files into hard-copy braille.

This section provides a wealth of information and advice for acquiring and using assistive technology effectively.