Specialist Workers Meeting
Assistive technologies and their use by people with sight impairment
Published by Wales Council for the Blind, 2012
Author: Owen Williams
Wales Council for the Blind
2nd Floor
Hallinans House
22, Newport Road
Cardiff
CF24 0TD
Tel: 029 2047 3954
email:
www.wcb-ccd.org.uk
This document is available in Audio, Braille, large print and digital formats. Contact Wales Council for the Blind for copies.
Contents
Introduction
What access for people with sight loss actually means
What does assistive technology mean?
Access to – depends on
Access to printed and handwritten materials
Video magnification
TV based video magnifiers
Portable video magnifiers
Welsh Low Vision Scheme
Desktop video magnifiers
Computer based video magnifiers
Auto reader/CCTV system
Electronic reading aid (text only)
Tactile information
Tactile images
Making computers accessible
Customisation and settings
Free software applications
Professional software and hardware products
Screen magnification
Larger monitor & large print keyboard
Combined speech and magnification software
Screen reading (speech output) software
Speech recognition software
Apple accessibility – Mac range of products and the iPad
Electronic notetakers and Braille devices
Electronic notetaker
Braille embossers
Braille displays – controllers
Accessible mobile phones
iPhone
Mobile phone software
Mobile reading aid
GPS software
Mobile colour recogniser
Additional range of electronic aids
DAISY players
Kindle
PenFriend
Handheld GPS device
Hands-on experience
VAT exemption
Understanding the process
Funding equipment in education, school age
Funding equipment in Further Education (FE)
Funding equipment in Higher Education (HE)
Funding equipment in Employment
Funding equipment outside of any statutory requirement
Recommended links, suggested links, factsheets and reports
Introduction
Access for people with a visual impairment has specific and additional meaning. 90% of our intake of information is through our eyes so sight loss is critical. Sight loss results in specific and distinctive problems. It means losing the ability to read letters, bank statements, newspapers, notices and advertisements, books for study or pleasure. Above all, it means diminished access to information.
In such circumstances visually impaired people are being discriminated against:
· in their personal life
· in education
· in employment
· as potential and actual volunteers
In short this means that their independence is threatened, as well as their standard and quality of life. This is why assistance with these functions is crucial.
For some of us, even if we can’t get out of the door, we can have access to the wide world through books, the media the internet. For sight impaired people the book, the media and the internet have to be in an accessible form.
If this is delivered through appropriate assistive technologies it can facilitate independence that most of us take for granted.
What does assistive technology mean?
The term assistive technology, for the purpose of this handout, is an umbrella term for any device or system that allows an individual to perform a task they would otherwise be unable to do.
Access to - depends on:
Having the ability to read print or use a computer for example depends on having access to a number of things.
Displays and demonstrations of equipment ensures that people are able to make an informed decision to whether a product is right for them.
Importantly, independent assessments ensure that the client gets the most appropriate advice and equipment to support their visual needs, with no selling-bias.
Whichever product is supplied it will usually need to installed and customised. Specialist training is often required and can make the difference between using it or not.
This handout will primarily explore how visually impaired people gain access to printed and handwritten material, computer-based material and other mobile devices, and how this equipment and support is funded within a variety of settings.
Access to printed and handwritten materials
Video magnification
People with a visual impairment see in different ways. For example, for someone with macular degeneration, central vision is affected whereas a person with tunnel vision may see clearly centrally but would have difficulty with peripheral vision. In both cases they may be able read print but may require assistance from ‘low vision aids’ such as optical magnifiers, lighting and video magnifiers.
A video magnifier or CCTV is a simple way of producing large text and images for people with some useful vision. Printed documents, handwritten materials or objects can be placed under a camera. The magnified image is then displayed on a monitor. They are most often used for reading, but some can also be used for writing, checking a price tag, looking at a timetable or to read a whiteboard in a classroom.
Many people find they can read more comfortably with a video magnifier and therefore for longer periods.
Models either have a fixed or variable level of magnification. Those with a fixed level of magnification tend to be cheaper, however are less adaptable to different print sizes.
Most portable video magnifiers use a close up camera which is suitable for magnifying objects placed close to the camera. A video magnifier with a distance viewing camera is used in a classroom environment for example.
Most have colour contrast and real colour image capability, and many have colour combination options – making text easier to read for many users.
Some can capture or store images – making them useful for frequently used reference material – such as telephone numbers or recipes. Most portable video magnifiers have image capture which is similar to taking a photograph.
Video magnifiers can be split into five categories based on how they work and their intended use.
1. TV based video magnifiers
2. Portable video magnifiers
3. Desktop / standalone video magnifiers
4. Computer based video magnifiers
5. Auto reader / CCTV systems
The RNIB has produced a video magnifier factsheet which can be read by visiting the link at the end of this handout.
TV based video magnifiers
TV based video magnifiers plug into a television and tend to be cheaper than other options as you are only buying the camera. They are usually in the form of a handheld camera, similar in shape to a computer mouse, which rests on the paper and is then moved across a line of text. Magnification and colour options are more limited. They provide a simple and cost effective way of reading but, for many, can be more difficult to use.
Portable video magnifiers
Primarily portable magnifiers are designed to be used when a person is out and about and for short periods of time. They are powered by battery and have an integrated screen. They are often referred to as “pocket size” because they are small and portable. There are several types of electronic pocket size magnifiers, which allow the user to choose from a range of colour contrasts and magnification levels to suit their level of sight. The screen size is limited, which at higher levels of magnification reduces the text that appears on-screen.
Welsh Low Vision Scheme
In some areas for rare examples e.g. the Welsh Low Vision Scheme accredited optometrists are able to assess for and provide (after a trial) an electronic pocket-size magnifier. (Refer to Reading with Confidence report – www.wcb-ccd.org.uk or visit www.eyecarewales.nhs.uk). In most areas these need to be bought privately.
Desktop video magnifiers
Desktop video magnifiers, as the name suggests, are intended for use on a desk or work surface. They are standalone machines and as such, have the greatest range of features compared to other types of video magnifier. Most have fixed cameras and printed material is placed on a reading table. The image is viewed on an integrated screen. Screen sizes vary.
Desktop video magnifiers offer a greater range of magnification levels, as well as offering a range of colour enhancements. Some can store images, whilst others can be used for distance viewing or used for personal tasks such as putting on make-up! However, they are bulky and many people are put off by the size as well as the cost. Prices range from a thousand pounds to High Definition units costing several thousands of pounds.
Computer based video magnifiers
Some video magnifier systems link to a computer and allow the screen image to be shared between the video magnifier picture and the computer display. These video magnifiers are often referred to as split-screen video magnifiers.
Auto reader/CCTV systems
Auto reader / CCTV systems capture and rearrange the text on-screen. Users can choose a number of reading styles that aid sustained reading. Most units only capture text but there are some products that capture both text and images. Some are standalone but many are software driven and thereby need to be connected to a computer. Some units offer full close up and distance viewing functionality, and have the ability not just to capture text but also read it out loud using synthetic speech. Handwriting can be captured but not read out loud.
There are many different products and suppliers of video magnification systems and they all range in price and quality.
Electronic reading aid
Electronic reading aids are used to scan and translate printed text into a computer readable file. This can then be read with access software or a Braille display. It consists or three main components: a scanner or digital camera, optical character recognition (OCR) software and suitable output (synthetic speech or Braille).
There are three types of reading aid – computer software, bespoke reading machines and mobile phone software. The latter will be covered later within this handout. There are two types of OCR software, mainstream packages designed for general use and specialist software with integrated speech or magnification.
Bespoke reading machines combine all the components into one standalone machine. They tend to be very easy to use with little or no set up and are perfect for someone who has little knowledge of computers. These machines scan and read text out loud more quickly and are ideal for reading post, etc.
A link to an RNIB factsheet on reading aids can be found at the end of this handout.
Tactile information
Tactile images
Many people with sight difficulties can benefit from illustrative material such as maps, diagrams and pictures. Using a Tactile Image Enhancer machine, it is possible to create tactile images suitable for those with visual impairments who prefer to work with graphics that they can feel. These machines are best used for easily defined graphics that are not too cluttered with appropriate Braille or symbol labels.
It is possible to develop A4 to A3 drawings, maps, graphs, etc., with the use of specialist paper that swells up wherever a line is drawn. A photocopier can be used to transfer an image from plain paper to the thermal expansion paper or Flexi-paper or the image can be printed directly onto the paper from a computer application.
Tactile Image Enhancing machines cost hundreds of pounds and are mainly used within educational institutions.
Computers are now a feature of everyday work and leisure life and making them accessible is key to expanding someone’s access to information and the job market. There are a range of options the first being the inbuilt accessibility options found within the operating systems that come with the computer.
Making computers accessible
Customisation and settings
If someone is having difficulty using a computer because of their vision, there are a number of things they can do.
First, check out the accessibility options available within the operating system. You can make the text and other items, such as icons, on your screen easier to see by making them larger.
Many people with impaired vision can see some colour combinations better than others. Colour options are available in practically all programs. Windows has a wide range of pre-defined colour schemes to try, including high-contrast, or the user can create their own.
Changing the screen resolution will also make text bigger but not be as clear. It is also possible to change the size, appearance and colour of the mouse pointer.
These options are all free but can make a big difference.
AbilityNet has produced a factsheet on Vision impairment and computing. A link to it can be found at the end of this handout.
Free software applications
Second, if changing your computers settings aren’t enough, there are a number of free software applications that can magnify or read on-screen text out loud. These are limited in many ways, but they may be enough to allow basic access.
RNIB have produced a factsheet on free assistive technology. A link to this can be found at the end of this handout.
Professional software and hardware products
Third, if the free applications don’t support the users’ needs you can buy hardware and software to improve access to a computer. These products range in price from a few pounds to many thousands of pounds, and some of it is very sophisticated.
This handout will highlight predominantly Windows-based access software including screen magnification, screen readers and speech recognition. Some of these products work within a CITRIX environment. There is limited support within Linux. Large monitors and large print keyboards can assist users with useful vision whilst Braille displays and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) systems enable users with little or no vision to use a computer, as well as access information.
Screen magnification
A screen magnifier is software that interfaces with a computer’s graphical output to present enlarged screen content. With screen magnification, only a portion of the screen can be seen at once. It may take some time for a person to adjust to using screen magnification. The user’s focus is controlled by the keyboard or mouse.
There are a number of different screen magnifiers available which range in price from free to several hundred pounds. The more expensive tend to have more features. There may be compatibility issues with free software but the more expensive products have lifetime technical support.
Features of the more expensive screen magnifiers include a comprehensive range of magnification levels from 1.25 up to 60 times – which can support deterioration in vision, as well as tiredness during the day.
Screen magnifiers incorporate a large variety of views – for example full screen and lens. User preferences can often depend on their sight condition.