best computer software for sight impaired

To do this, she copies the diagram onto a new piece of paper, replacing the written text with Braille dots she creates on a computer. Bazeley can create a three-dimensional rendering of the page for students to read by touch. But here, we're in a much better position.'įor instance, a teacher might give Bazeley a handout depicting a labeled diagram. 'There are schools where they are not willing to accommodate at all. 'Teachers are willing to consider the accommodations that our students need,' says Bazeley. Ideally, teachers provide unit staff with materials in advance so they can make them accessible to the visually impaired students. Visually Inspiring:Ī poster encourages the visually impaired students who use a special resource room at Brooklyn's Edward R. Vision-unit staff members scan the pages into a computer, use software programs such as Duxbury and WinBraille to convert the text into Braille, and then print it on the embosser. Teachers and staff can easily convert the class's handouts into Braille.

Students who bring their note takers to the vision unit can hook up the device to a PC to print their notes on a standard printer in large type, or on an embosser in Braille. A Braille display on the front lets students check what they've written, and an optional speech function reads the text aloud.

The assistive technology that's available ranges from the relatively low tech, such as telescopes and binoculars to help them see the blackboard, to more advanced devices.Īmong the more sophisticated tools is Braille Lite, a note taker that allows students to type notes in class using a specialized keyboard. Room 288B, the school's vision unit, functions as a resource room where students come to study, often with the aid of specialized tools. 'They could probably teach us how to use a new tool faster than we could flip through the instructions.' 'They're so with it as far as technology goes,' notes mobility teacher Shari Wagschal. And, like any teens today, these students are quick to learn the latest gizmos. These days, there are more devices than ever to aid students with low or no vision. Increasingly, technology is an important part of that equation.

Best computer software for sight impaired