Assistive Technology

This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)

In today’s digital age, technology seamlessly integrates into every aspect of our daily lives. Technology plays a pivotal role, from using the computer and phone, the debit card at the grocery store, to the remote controlling your television. For your child who is blind or has low vision, technology will be an essential tool across all facets of life. Sometimes, it will be everyday technology that everyone uses; other times, it will be specialized assistive technology. Often, the two will overlap. 

As your child grows, their technology needs and the available technologies will evolve. Staying informed about these changing options is crucial to help your child maximize their independence. Remember, there is no single “miracle” tool. Success in school and later in the workforce depends on having a toolbox of both global and assistive technologies, allowing your child to select the most appropriate tool for any given task. 

Some Types of Assistive Technology 

There are several different ways to categorize assistive technology tools. One simple way is to separate devices that use lenses to enhance vision from those that don’t and to reserve a special category for so-called high-tech devices. 

Non-Optical Devices 

The term non-optical device sometimes refers to the simplest tool that generally involves no lenses, computers, or electronics. These tools enhance a child’s use of vision. Examples of non-optical aids include: 

• A reading stand that brings material closer to a child’s eyes 

• Bold markers for writing 

• Dark-lined paper, which is easier to see when writing 

• A large-print calculator to use when working on math problems 

• A hat or visor to decrease the glare of overhead lights or the sun 

Optical Devices 

Optical devices, sometimes known as “low vision devices,” use lenses to help people better use their existing vision. 

• Magnifiers 

• Telescopes 

• Video magnifiers (CCTV systems) 

“High-Tech” Assistive Technology 

Many people reserve assistive technology for equipment and devices that provide access to the environment and print information using computer hardware, software, and other electronic equipment. Thus, a video magnifier can be considered an optical aid and a “high-tech” piece of assistive technology. 

• Screen magnification software 

• Speech-reading software 

• Braille displays 

What Tools Different Children May Use 

Keep in mind that the tools that any child will use will be individualized for that child’s visual abilities, cognitive abilities, and needs at home, school, and the community. The following lists illustrate the array of tools any one child may use. 

For Low Vision: 

• Eyeglasses or contact lenses 

• Handheld or stand magnifiers 

• Slant boards 

• Colored overlays 

• Bold-lined paper and markers 

• Large-print calculators 

• Screen enlargement software 

• Smartphones or tablets 

• Video magnifiers 

For Blindness: 

• Braillewriter 

• Refreshable braille displays 

• Slate and stylus 

• Raised-line paper 

• Signature guides 

• Voice-output calculators 

• Screen reading software 

• Audiobook players 

For Multiple Disabilities: 

• Switch-operated devices 

• Communication devices 

• Communication books with various symbols 

How do we select the right tools? 

Your child’s tools should be tailored to their specific visual, physical, and cognitive abilities and their needs at home, school, and within the community. Selecting the appropriate assistive technology is a collaborative process. Engaging with teachers of students with visual impairments, educational specialists, and technology experts through an assistive technology assessment ensures that your child receives personalized tools tailored to their unique needs.  

With your help and support, your child will gain independence and confidence, enabling them to thrive academically and socially with the right set of tools fosters to support them. By staying informed and working closely with professionals, you can support your child in navigating their educational journey with the assistance of technology tailored to their needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)