Brightfield / Flatfield Magnifiers
These are bar or dome magnifiers that look like a paperweight or a shaped ruler. The magnifier is placed flat on the page and you slide it across to read a line of text. They are only available in lower levels of magnification but it is possible to combine them with other magnifiers.
A bar magnifier only enlarges in one direction, so letters are taller but the width of the text is unchanged. This enables several words to be seen at one time.
Computers And Mobile Technology
Access technology such as screen readers, screen magnifiers and refreshable braille displays enable the blind to use mainstream computer applications and mobile phones. The availability of assistive technology is increasing, accompanied by concerted efforts to ensure the accessibility of information technology to all potential users, including the blind. Later versions of Microsoft Windows include an Accessibility Wizard & Magnifier for those with partial vision, and Microsoft Narrator, a simple screen reader. Linux distributions for the blind include Vinux and Adriane Knoppix, the latter developed in part by Adriane Knopper who has a visual impairment. macOS and iOS also come with a built-in screen reader called VoiceOver, while is built in to most Android devices.
The movement towards greater web accessibility is opening a far wider number of websites to adaptive technology, making the web a more inviting place for visually impaired surfers.
Experimental approaches in sensory substitution are beginning to provide access to arbitrary live views from a camera.
Modified visual output that includes large print and/or clear simple graphics can be of benefit to users with some residual vision.
Jitterbug Smart3 Best Phones For Visually Impaired
When purchased through Lively, the price is $112.49.
Available at Lively.com
Because of its simple design, brilliant screen, and medical alert capabilities, the Jitterbug Smart3 from Lively phones for seniors is a perfect phone for persons with visual impairments. Its a terrific economical cell phones for visually impaired, with a discounted price of $112.49.
The Jitterbug Smart3s screen is more than six inches, allowing you to comfortably browse the web, pictures, and watch films. You may effortlessly zoom in on pages by pinching using its easy array of touch actions. Another feature we like about this cell phone is its voice-to-text capability, which allows you to dictate messages, emails, and online searches to your phone.
We especially liked the medical alert features of the Jitterbug Smart3. Simply click the Urgent Response button on the phone, and a licensed representative will contact you as soon as possible.
The Jitterbug Smart3s voice commands arent as extensive as those on other phones, but its simple to use for persons with moderate vision impairment without sacrificing the advanced capabilities of a smartphone for seniors.
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Low Vision Aids Optical Aids
Optical aids for low vision can range from reading glasses, and magnifiers to small telescopes depending on the severity of visual impairment. Such devices differ from the reading glasses or the magnifying glasses that we are familiar with. Low vision devices are never all-purpose devices and are built with a very specific use in mind. We should think of the low vision optical aids as specific tools where one device may be used for reading a mail, another for watching movies, and yet another for seeing menus at a restaurant.
Optical vision aids are classified as:
Clinically Validated And Endorsed By Medical Professionals
eSight is a Class 1 Medical Device worn daily by thousands of people with vision impairment and legal blindness. Through the eSight Quality of Life Efficacy Study , eSight technology has been clinically validated to help patients, noting:
- A 7 line gain in distance acuity
- 100% mobility retention
- 12 letter contrast improvement
- Improved quality of life
eQUEST was conducted with the help of six partners: the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the Center for Retina and Macular Disease, John Hopkins University, the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, the University Health Network, and the University of Montreal.
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Tips And Teaching Strategies For Vision Impaired Students
Students with any form of vision impairment will be able to access the learning materials in some way. It may be a laptop with zoom text, a desk-mounted magnifier, a tool like join.me that allows students to see whats on the teachers laptop on their own laptop, expanded text, or something that makes the subject more accessible to them. If you have a student who requires this level of assistance, the case manager should contact you before the start of school to let you know what will be required in the classroom.
Tactile models are frequently beneficial. Apply a little layer of adhesive to all drawings so that the pupil can feel what theyre viewing. If the field of vision is narrow, the student will be aware that the diagram continues beyond their area of vision. Many students with vision impairment experience eye fatigue and find it much more difficult to read information by the end of the day. If the sequence of the classes can be changed, this could have an impact. Also keep in mind that this learner will frequently be ignorant of visual signals that you utilize, and dont realize that you use.
Most early childhood teaching systems rely heavily on visual signals. Consider how many school lessons include pupils writing on the chalkboard or reading from photocopied handouts. Reading and writing are required in every discipline, from algebra to spelling to geography.
What Kind Of Aids Are Available
There are now many assistive devices for people with limited vision who wish to retain their independence in the home. Some are simply oversized versions of ordinary household products such as TV remote controls with large, high-contrast controls, whilst others utilise advanced technology to enable a wide variety of domestic items to be identified. Some examples include:
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Making Phone Calls And Sending Text Messages
A blind person can make a phone call in one of three ways: first, they can use a keypad to key in the phone number. Second, the user may choose who they want to call from their contacts. They can also use a voice command to call.
- Users can tap the green or red accept or reject keys on the screen to answer or hang up a call. A call can also be ended by pressing the power button.
- All calling options are simple to use and accessible to poor vision and blind people .
- Synapptics high-contrast keypad may be used to enter text messages. Alternatively, speech may be used to construct and send text messages.
- Searching the Internet Synapptic has its own web browser that is fully functional. It talks and displays in Synapptics huge font and high-contrast format.
- Synapptics standard format of big text with great contrast is also used to show search results. The search results are also read aloud.
Websites are spoken and may be perused using the volume controls or the bottom-of-the-screen Previous and Next buttons. The size of the text on the screen can be increased or decreased by those with limited eyesight. Theres a sophisticated option for investigating websites that lets you navigate a page by heading, link, text, or even letter by letter.
Visual Impairment In The Classroom Tips And Resources
Visually impaired children may perform practically all of the same activities and tasks as sighted children, but they must often learn to do so in a different method or with new tools or materials. For example, your child may require braille reading materials rather than print, or she may need to study a live bunny with her hands rather than having to learn from a picture in a book to comprehend what it is. Other ideas include setting up a classroom so your child may sit near a chemistry teacher who is conducting an experiment or giving her extra time to finish a test that the entire class is taking.
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What Is Visual Impairment
Visual impairment is a reduction in vision, usually associated with age that cannot be corrected by prescription glasses, contact lenses, medicine or even surgery. It can range from low to severe. Visual impairment is a huge problem affecting a lot of people worldwide causing normal daily activities such as walking, reading or driving to become impossible or very challenging. In this article, let us know how optical low vision aids can be used to rectify and correct some of the vision defects.
Magnifiers In A Spectacle Frame
Magnifiers in spectacle frames are not the same as ordinary spectacles.
They simply magnify objects rather than correcting short or long-sightedness. These devices are much thicker than ordinary spectacles and are designed for near vision only. Low powers use both eyes and higher powered devices have power only in front of the better eye.
The advantage is you have two hands free and do not have to hold the magnifier, the disadvantage is the working distance is much shorter than a hand or stand magnifier of the same power. You will need to bring the object very close to your eyes for the magnifier to be in focus.
For distance and intermediate tasks, bespoke multi-lens telescopic systems are available and can be made to your prescription and measurements. These can only be dispensed by an optometrist or a dispensing optician.
The type of magnifier you need depends on:
- your level of vision
- the size of the task
- the type of task
- how long you are doing the task
- whether you are looking at near or distance objects.
For example:
- a larger, lower powered, handheld lens is good for reading larger print items, or for looking at photographs.
- a high-powered lens is good for looking at very small print
- a small telescope could be useful for seeing bus numbers and street signs.
For advice about magnifiers or similar equipment call our Advice and Information Service on 0300 3030 111.
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As Smart Glasses For Visually Impaired
As we all know it’s extremely difficult for the visually impaired to go about their daily lives and important activities without assistance and the help of most of them need some sort of glasses anyway.
But why do you need to opt for conventional low vision glasses if you can get your hands on IrisVision smart glasses.
IrisVision smart low vision glasses is the perfect solution for the visually impaired, that consists of various reading modes, offers customized modes for different eye diseases, enables you to capture images, watch videos, and so much more.
Its out-of-the-box features makes IrisVision the best smart glasses for low vision such as smart voice commands that enhance the user-friendly hands-free experience.
Large Print Low Vision Products
- Sewing machine magnifier
- Seam Ripper with 5x Magnifier
- BoaMag Lighted Flexible 2.5x-5x Magnifier- flashlight helps sewers install needles, thread machines and view stitching patterns. The flexible coil makes it an adjustable stand magnifier for any application or it can simply be wrapped around the sewing machine or your neck.
- Electric Iron guides give the maximum safety when the visually impaired are ironing clothes.
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Arthritis Didn’t Stop Her
In 1962 she returned to the UK and was diagnosed with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, which severely impacted the ability to use her hands.Again undeterred, she went to work full time in London as a secretary whilst juggling being a mum to four children with a husband who worked long hours as a guard at the Bank of England.
Low Vision Devices For Students And Teenage Years
Low vision devices are helpful for students and teenagers navigating their education and social lives. The right devices can aid with learning activities, such as reading a chalkboard and watching instructional videos, while also permitting them to participate in sports and clubs. Mobility and ease of use are key factors during these years, such as with childhood.
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Getting Information On Missed Calls
The Call History of the blind person is displayed on the MiniVision2+. The Minivision2+ will voice information about the calls when the user scrolls through Call History. If a missed call comes in from someone in the users contacts, the MiniVision2+ will announce the contacts name, as well as the date and time the call was received. Importantly, the audio guide speaks all of the information given graphically, making it completely accessible.
Tips For Using A Magnifier
- Start with the lens close to the eye and then bring the object towards the lens until it is in focus. This will give a wider field of view i.e. allow you to see more words at one time.
- Unless the magnifier has a low power you will only be able to use it with one eye. Where possible use it with the eye that has the best vision.
- If the image appears upside down when you look through the magnifier, the distance between the object and the magnifier is too great bring the object closer to the lens.
- When using a handheld or stand magnifier keep any movement slow and even to minimise the chance of losing your place.
- The centre of the lens gives the clearest, least distorted image. Do not read across the lens as the image will distort towards the edges.
- Make the first word as clear as possible. Once you have located your best viewing position, keep your head, eyes and the magnifier still, and move the object of your focus. This is known as Steady Eye Strategy.
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Specialist Electronic Low Vision Devices
There are many different types and models of electronic magnifying device. These incorporate a camera and the image is sent electronically to a viewing screen. Many have controls that can alter contrast, enhance or reverse colours and adjust focus and magnification levels.
There are many different types and models of electronic magnifying device. These incorporate a camera and the image is sent electronically to a viewing screen. Many have controls that can alter contrast, enhance or reverse colours and adjust focus and magnification levels.
Researching And Choosing Your Electronic Device
These can be expensive so consider what tasks you would like to use it for and try before. They tend to be useful for things like reading food packets and letters, looking at photographs and other short activities, not reading for long periods. Less expensive devices may be ideal for you.
Many local societies for the visually impaired have a small selection of electronic low vision aids for you to look at and may be able to lend you one for a short period. Another option is visiting a low vision exhibition where manufacturers display their products. Events like Sight Village, local society exhibitions and Macular Society Support Groups are good sources of information.
Some retailers will arrange a demonstration in your home. Consider whether they offer a trial period and what service and support options are available.
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Computers & Electronic Aids
Computers & Electronic Aids are the Assistive Devices that are used by Persons who are Blind or have a Visual Impairment, which enables them to be able to operate equipment such as Computers, Cellphones, Tablets, etc. These Computers & Electronic Devices are extremely useful equipment for persons who are Blind or have a Visual Impairment. They are important tools of integration and can be used for a number of purposes including: Work, Reading, Research, Entertainment and Socializing, to mention just a few. These Computer & Electronic Aids are therefore extremely powerful tools for the Blind, or Visually Impaired and include products such as:
- Refreshable Braille Displays
- Braille & Enlarged Keyboards, etc.
The availability of this equipment is increasing thanks to Organizations and Companies such as Edit Microsystems, Sensory Solutions, Blind SA and The South African Council for the Blind who have made concerted efforts to make sure that this equipment is available for the Blind in South Africa.
To find out more about these Computers & Electronic Aids, click the “Computer & Electronic Aids” button on the left or on the link below.
Solutions To The Vision Impairment
- Thanks to technology, many low vision aids such as magnifying glasses, telescopes etc. help visually impaired people to live a normal life.
- In fact, blind people are now able to read and write. It is a system of writing for the blind that uses characters made up of raised dots which are called as the Braille. Knowledge is the key to living with low vision or blindness. People with low vision can enhance their quality of life by learning which optical and non-optical aids can help them, and by integrating strategies for dealing with the visual impairment into daily life. Low vision aids are classified into two types Optical Aids and Non-Optical Aids.
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