Assistive Technology

Technology is everywhere in today’s society—from the computer you are using to visit APH ConnectCenter to the debit card you used at the grocery store this morning to the remote you click to change channels on your television. Your child who is blind or has low vision will use technology in all facets of life. Sometimes it will be the everyday technology that all people use; sometimes, it will be assistive technology, and sometimes the two will overlap.

As your child grows, technology needs will change. At the same time, the technology available will be changing as well. You will need to know about these ever-changing options to help your child make the best use of both global and assistive technology to maximize independence. It is important to remember that there is no single “miracle” tool. To achieve success in school and later in the world of work, people who are blind or low vision need access to a toolbox filled with a variety of tools so that they can select the appropriate tool for any given task.

Some children may need only a few assistive technology devices, while others may benefit from using several in combination. The descriptions of technology on APH ConnectCenter are offered only to help you become familiar with the different types of assistive technology, not to recommend any one product as appropriate for your child. To know what assistive technology tools are right for your child, you will want to consult with a teacher of students with visual impairments and other educational team members. If your child is already in grade school, they may benefit from an assistive technology assessment to determine what tools are appropriate to help access information and keep up with schoolwork.

Some Types of Assistive Technology

There are a number of 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. They include various types of magnifiers and telescopes. An electronic device, known as a video magnifier or closed-circuit television system (CCTV), which uses a camera to project an enlarged image on a TV screen or monitor, is also considered an optical device.

“High-Tech” Assistive Technology

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

Different kinds of software programs help people who are blind or low vision get access to the information on a computer. Screen magnification programs enlarge the image on the computer screen, while speech-reading software can read the text aloud.

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.

A child with low vision might use these tools:

eyeglasses or contact lenses
a handheld or stand magnifier
a slant board for bringing material closer when working
colored overlays to put over printed material to provide better contrast
bold-lined paper to help stay on the line when writing
a bold marker for writing
a calculator with a large-print display
a computer with screen enlargement software
a smartphone or tablet
a video magnifier

a braillewriter
a refreshable braille display
a slate and stylus
raised-line paper for writing or graphing
a signature guide used to position a pen when signing one’s name
a calculator with voice output that speaks what is on the screen
a computer, smartphone, or tablet with screen reading software
an audiobook player

A child who has multiple disabilities might use a combination of the tools for children with low vision and blindness, and in addition, may use:

a switch to operate a toy or appliance
a communication device that speaks when a button is pressed
a communication book that has pictures, raised symbols, print, or braille in it that the child uses to express themself.

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A person placing their assistive technology into a large red checkered tote.

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