Assistive Technologies–Visual Disabilities
Ever seen a blind person using a computer?
How can a deaf-blind person check their bank account?
How would a person with low vision read a newspaper or magazine?
Many such questions come to our mind, when we think about people with visual disabilities performing their day-to-day tasks. With the help of Assistive Technology people with visual disabilities can do all the above and lots more!
Innovations in the field of technology have brought a significant change in the lives of people with visual disabilities. Today with the aid of Assistive Technology, blind persons can read newspapers online and discuss latest happenings in the world with their sighted friends, relatives or colleagues.
People with visual disabilities can carry out their day-to-day tasks, such as checking their bank account, reading books, listen to music, chat with friends etc with the help of Assistive Technologies. As a result, it has become possible for visually disabled people to find suitable jobs, opt for main stream education and live a dignified life.
The choice of Assistive Technology depends on the degree of visual impairment. A blind person might require a screen reader for working on the computer while a person with low vision might require a screen magnifier or a screen reader-cum-screen magnifier to work on the computer. On the other hand, a colorblind person can change color settings and does not require an Assistive Technology for working on the computer.
In the section, we'll discuss different Assistive Technologies used by people with visual disabilities, such as:
