Back-to-School Assistive Technology Solutions for Students With Blindness
Back-to-School Assistive Technology Solutions for Students with Low Vision and Blindness
As summer slowly draws to a close, students across the globe are gearing up for a new school year. For those who are blind or have low vision, the excitement and preparation can come with unique challenges. Fortunately, advancements in assistive technology have made educational experiences more accessible than ever before. If the task of finding accessible solutions seems a bit daunting to you, the MyToolsForLiving™ team has a few solutions that may help ease your scholastic journey that is crucial to your academic success.
Enhancing Classroom Participation:
Visually impaired students face significant challenges, especially in accessing printed materials. However, modern assistive technology, such as electronic magnifiers that can capture text and transcribe it to speech, is a game changer for students of all ages. These innovative tools promote independence and enhance learning efficiency both in the classroom and at home.
- Optelec Compact 10 HD With Speech: With its large 10” screen, customizable features, intuitive operation, and full-page Text-to-Speech, it combines the benefits of a desktop video magnifier in a foldable, portable design. The Optelec Compact 10 HD with Speech magnifies newspapers, homework, and textbooks, capturing full-page documents with a swing-out arm. Simply place the document, snap a picture on the touchscreen, and let it read aloud to you with its convenient document placement indicator.
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Humanware Reveal 16i
Reveal 16i Smart Desktop Magnifier is a unique, innovative, all-in-one digital magnifier delivering superb image quality and access to thousands of applications, online reading libraries, and other resources to help you stay productive and connected. With up to 10x live optical zoom and up to 45x digital magnification, you can enjoy best-in-class image quality displayed on a large 16-inch touchscreen. Perfect for students who need distance viewing to see the board, magnification for homework, text-to-speech, and easy connection to web applications and documents.
For the Hard-working Individuals Who Utilize Braille – We've Got You Covered:
- HIMS BrailleSense 6 Braille Display and Notetaker sets a new standard for low-vision applications with advanced technology. It offers full access to popular Google Apps like Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Classroom. And just because the summer is ending soon, does not mean you have to stop surfing the Web. Users can surf the web with Google Chrome, sync calendars with Google Calendar, and enjoy books from Bookshare, BARD, and other sources using the DAISY reader or word processor. The BrailleSense 6 provides complete access to both specialized and mainstream services great for those students on the go, fostering engagement and participation on par with their sighted peers.
Empowering Students and Educators:
Beyond the technological tools themselves, it is essential to empower both students and educators with knowledge and training. Educators can benefit from professional development opportunities focused on inclusive teaching practices and the effective use of assistive technology in the classroom. By fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, schools can help students who are blind thrive academically and socially.
Are you aware of the Illinois Instructional Materials Center (IIMC) and its vital resources for students with visual impairments? Serving over 4,000 students annually, the IIMC is committed to supporting Illinois' public and private school students by providing essential educational materials in Braille and large print—free of charge!
The IIMC works closely with local school systems, textbook publishers, and other agencies to ensure every student has access to the information they need to excel in their studies. By utilizing these valuable resources, you can help create a more inclusive learning environment and remove barriers for students with visual disabilities.
Additionally, explore further resources and support options available through the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER). Their comprehensive directory of divisions can provide additional valuable support and information tailored to your needs.
Find Further information for both the IIMC and AER Divisions on the links below
Be Proactive:
By embracing these and other accessible tools and advocating for inclusive practices, we can ensure that every student can reach their full potential in education and beyond. Here's to a successful and accessible school year ahead!
If you have questions about the products mentioned, want to learn about similar products, or wish to set up an assistive technology appointment to see new and innovative adaptive technology products, please visit MyToolsForLiving.com or call us at. (800) 919-3375
