Assistive Technology

Advances in technology are now providing people with the opportunity to communicate more efficiently and effectively.

These advances are especially important to blind and partially sighted people as they offer access to information at home or at work.

They can also help to bridge what might otherwise be a disability by allowing individuals to:

• become more independent

• compete on equal terms

• to realise their personal goals and potential

• to make a real contribution in the workplace.

Can blind and partially sighted people access Information Technology?

Yes they can!

Computers can be used by blind and partially sighted people regardless of the degree of their sight loss by using assistive technology. A computer screen can be 'read' using:

• specialist magnification software

• specialist screen reading software

• Braille displays

or all three at once!

Conventional keyboards present no problem once touch-typing has been mastered and a wide range of large print keyboards can also be accessed. Braille readers can take advantage of eight-key Braille keyboards that are available to enhance access to IT.

Hi-tech, complicated and potentially expensive equipment is not always what is required. Computers purchased ‘off-the-shelf’ can be adapted for jobs such as keeping records, accounts and notes.

Where more complex tasks are required, the technology is now available to meet these demands.