Related:
- Assistive Technology (AT)
- Assistive Technology: Alternative Pointing Devices
- Assistive Technology: Braille and Low Vision Aids
- Assistive Technology: Keyboards And Other Input Alternatives
- Assistive Technology: Other Aids
- Assistive Technology Resources
- Accessible Information Technology - A case study: Part 1
- Accessible Information Technology - A case study: Part 2
- Technology for all of us
- « Web Design Article List
Assistive Technology: Braille and Low Vision Aids
Contributed by Mel Pedley
Braille Displays
Replaces the computer monitor and is often augmented with Speech Output Systems. A line of Braille cells gives a tactile representation of the computer's text output.
- Usage:
- Blind, or visually impaired users.
Braille Embossers
The Braille equivalent of a printer. Produces a "print-out" in tactile braille rather than printed alphanumeric characters.
- Usage:
- Blind, or visually impaired users.
Braille Keyboards
A braille input keyboard can be connected to either the serial or keyboard ports on a PC. It can mimic every key on a full standard keyboard but may only allow the input of Grade 1 Braille. Its main application, therefore, is often limited to programmers using terminal emulation software.
Braille Notetakers can be attached to a desktop computer, and used to type in Grade 1 or Grade 2 Braille into the computer. This is very effective for some applications, for example word-processing. However it is necessary to have a standard keyboard attached simultaneously as the keyboard on the Notetaker cannot emulate every key combination available and the user will have to use the standard keyboard for some tasks.
Braille emulation software allows certain keys on a standard keyboard to be used as a Braille keyboard for entering text. The Alt and Ctrl keys together with a Braille letter entered on the home keys can be used to control some of the computer's functions. For example using Ctrl with P to print where P is dots 1,2,3 and 4 (s, d, f and j). Full control of the PC is not possible using this methodology.
Finally, it is possible to use Keytop Stickers to customise a standard keyboard to allow for the input of text via "braille identified" keys.
- Usage:
- Blind, or visually impaired, users.
Devices such as Braille 'n' Speak can be used to take notes which can then be read back to the user or transferred to another computer for further editing, printing or storage. The current generation of notetakers also includes modems to access the Web as well as send, and receive, email.
- Usage:
- Blind, or visually impaired users.
Braille Translation Software
Converts text to Braille ready to be printed on a Braille Embosser.
- Usage:
- Blind, or visually impaired users.
CCTVs
Magnification systems based on closed circuit cameras that are used to produce an enlarged image of text on a monitor or TV.
- Usage:
- Visually impaired users.
- Users suffering from dyslexia.
Hot Spotters
Specialised printers that use heat sensitive paper to produce raised tactile diagrams.
- Usage:
- Blind, or visually impaired users.
Large Monitors
Increases the display size and, hence, can be used to display enlarged text and graphics.
- Usage:
- Visually impaired users.
Low Vision Aids
These include magnifiers, monoculars, and other devices that maximise any useful sight an individual may have. Some software-based low vision aids (e.g. high contrast display) are available as standard options within Windows workstations whilst others (such as screen magnifiers) are supplied within Windows but may require specific installation.
There are also some hardware magnifier monitor filters available which can be fitted (and easily removed) from computer monitors but most only increase magnification by a factor of x 2.
- Usage:
- Visually impaired users.
Scanners with optical character recognition (OCR)
Character recognition software can convert scanned documents into machine-readable print, large print, Braille and synthetic speech.
- Usage:
- Blind or visually impaired users.
- Users suffering from dyslexia.
- Users with manual dexterity difficulties.
Screen Readers (Text-to-Speech)
An alternative to standard computer output. The computer "reads" text on the standard display to the user. Speech output can range from computers with sound cards that can read text to a fully functional screen reading package such as talking web browsers.
- Usage:
- Blind, or visually impaired, users.
- Physically impaired users.
- Users suffering from dyslexia.
