By: Skyra
Visually impaired people face unique mobility and accessibility challenges that affect their everyday functionality. Various assistive technologies have been developed to improve capabilities of these individuals. A wide range of products exist, including the following common devices:
Canes
Canes are primarily used to increase mobility of the user by allowing him or her to scan the environment and identify obstacles. However, the cane also serves a secondary purpose: the white color of the cane may be used as an “identification” item to indicate to others nearby that the cane user is visually impaired. Canes come in various lengths and are often collapsible for portability. Additionally, the tip may be adjustable and switched between variations including the “pencil” tip or “roller” tip, depending on the user’s preference.
Magnifiers
The non-digital magnifier is a simple handheld device for aid in reading small print. These devices are lightweight, portable, and may include a battery-powered light to illuminate the viewing field. These tools may come with single or multiple lenses to allow for adjustment of the magnification strength.
With advances in technologies comes the advent of the digital magnifier. These magnifiers come equipped with various features that assist users in reading. Specifications include text-to-speech voice transcription in multiple languages, point and read functionality, variable magnification strength, and adjustable brightness and color contrast of text. However, these products don’t come cheap! Digital desktop magnifiers often start at several thousand dollars, with prices increasing for additional features. For example, currently (Dec. 2022), the 24in ClearView C Speech Touch Screen is selling for $4,295.00 CAD.
Audiobooks and DAISY audio players
The DAISY (the Digital Accessible Information System) is a format developed to enhance reading accessibility for visually impaired readers. This system includes not only audio versions of works but also files that may be compatible with magnifiers or Braille devices. DAISY files can be accessed with portable reading devices that are designed to feature large, high-contrast buttons with a speaker and audible controls.