Tools for the blind and visually impaired include nonoptical and optical devices to make it easier to perform common tasks. These tools can help people who are blind navigate new environments independently.

Computer engineers at UC Santa Cruz have developed smart phones that can recognize color patterns in landmarks to direct users where to go. The technology could help blind people find bathrooms in unfamiliar buildings and figure out which door leads to their dentist’s office.

Magnification

Magnification aids for the blind and visually impaired empower sight impaired individuals to perform everyday tasks by enhancing their visual acuity. By enlarging text, these magnification tools make it easier for individuals to read books, newspapers, menus and other printed materials. They also allow for a clearer view of objects and assists in tasks that require precise vision such as working with crafts or identifying labels on household items.

Magnifiers for the visually impaired can be handheld or desktop devices. Handheld magnifiers come in a variety of sizes and feature multiple settings to meet the needs of individual users. Some handheld magnifiers have hands-free features that enable users to perform tasks with both hands. Others offer a larger work surface and illumination.

Desktop video magnifiers are another option that combine magnification with a screen reader. These programs enable computer access to people who are blind or have severe vision impairments by allowing them to enlarge the physical screen of their desktop to a size that they can functionally see, enabling them to navigate computer applications and the Internet. Some screen reading software also reads functional text such as icon names and menu bar words.

These devices are often the most effective tool for individuals who have a loss of vision that is slowly progressing. They may be used along with other technologies such as text-to-speech or Braille solutions, depending on the type and degree of vision loss.

The State Library of Louisiana Talking Books and Braille Library provides free public library service to any resident of the State of Louisiana who is legally blind or has a severe and persistent vision impairment. To learn more about the program, click on the link above or ask at any of our branches. Shreve Memorial Library offers JAWS (Joint Assistive Vision System), a screen reader that allows users to navigate computers. It can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or by visiting any of our Branches.

Wayfinding

Wayfinding tools help people who are blind or low vision find their way around a new environment. These tools include digital maps, navigation apps and camera apps. They are designed to give users detailed information about their location, including distance from their destination. They can also detect obstacles and help them avoid them. In addition, some apps use voice instructions to guide users and make the environment feel more familiar.

Traveling through an airport can be challenging for travelers who are blind or visually impaired, especially if they don’t have access to information about the layout of the terminal. The American Printing House for the Blind recently developed a new app called Nearby Explorer that gives users an idea of what’s around them at an airport, so they can plan their route and not have to rely on airport staff or signage for directions.

The app uses audio to describe the surrounding area and provides information about landmarks, including doors, elevators, escalators, baggage claim, and food and beverage outlets. It can even detect the directional flow of pedestrians and alert travelers to upcoming changes in route. It’s currently being beta-tested at Louisville International Airport, and the developers hope to expand its reach in the future.

Another company, Right-Hear, has developed an audible wayfinding system that enables blind or visually impaired pedestrians to understand their surroundings and independently navigate public spaces. It works by linking a dedicated mobile application with wireless signals strategically located in accessible spots, such as the corner of a sidewalk or the entrance to a store. The app then transmits an audio description of the environment directly to the user’s smartphone or tablet.

While existing tactile wayfinding systems are helpful for people who are blind or visually impaired, they can be inconsistent and difficult to interpret. In order to improve the consistency and usability of these cues, researchers have developed guidance for transportation planners and engineers on how to design and install guiding patterns (raised bars). This guide includes recommendations for both surface texture and installation to ensure consistent recognition by all travelers who are blind or visually impaired.

External Displays

Many students with low vision require the use of an external monitor to maximize their access to information and ability to learn. These devices range from low tech materials such as slant boards or picture boards to high tech electronic and computer equipment.

Screen magnifying software allows users to enlarge their display to a level that they can functionally see. They can then move their mouse over the screen to see different sections of it and adjust the size of the enlarged section as needed. This tool is typically used by individuals with varying levels of low vision and functional blindness/blindness. External displays are also commonly used by individuals who have a cortical (cerebral) visual impairment, or who use refreshable braille. They are also often used with screen readers for additional navigational support.

Screen Readers

Many blind and visually impaired users rely on screen readers to access the information on a website. These pieces of software use synthetic speech or Braille displays to decipher the contents of a computer screen and read them aloud. These tools can also be used to interact with software applications and other types of digital content. Some screen readers have additional functions such as zooming, the ability to define words and locate text on a page, and the specification of landmarks (e.g. section divisions, links and table headers) to help guide Web browsers and other applications.

A variety of software programs exist that act as screen readers, including the most popular commercial software like JAWS (Job Access With Speech) and free open-source options such as Orca. Each requires a specialized learning curve and familiarity with keyboard shortcuts that serve as alternatives to mouse clicks and gestures. Screen readers are most commonly used by people with blindness, but they can also be helpful for individuals who have severe dyslexia and other conditions that cause difficulty reading.

Developing websites and applications that are compatible with screen reader software is an important step in ensuring that all digital content can be consumed by the widest possible audience. Web sites that are compatible with screen readers tend to rank higher in search engine results. Moreover, accessibility compliance solutions allow businesses to test their online content for compatibility with screen reader software and provide their customers with the peace of mind that their products are fully accessible.

In addition to automated tools, it’s important for companies to conduct manual testing of their digital materials with a screen reader in order to understand the challenges faced by users who rely on this assistive technology. A variety of programs are available for this purpose, including JAWS, Orca and TalkButton. JAWS is a desktop-based application that uses an integrated text-to-speech program to decipher onscreen content and produce spoken word output. It is compatible with Windows operating systems and can also be connected to a refreshable Braille display.

Orca is a screen reader for Unix-like operating systems that supports the AT-SPI interface, which allows it to integrate with GNOME desktop environments and other graphical environments. It has a comprehensive feature set that includes support for multiple languages, a wide range of voice and speech rate options, and keyboard shortcuts for navigation. A 30-day trial version is available.