tools for the visually impaired/blind
As it relates to students who are visually impaired/blind there is a wide variety of assistive technology tools that can make their daily routines much easier. These tools include:
E-text to MP3 format
E-text is textual information available in an electronic format. This text can be read and interacted with on or by a computer. Given our ability to change or manipulate electronic information, e-text can be converted into several accessible formats to meet students’ various needs.
For students living with visual impairments or learning disabilities, printed formats can be inaccessible. Students who qualify with the disability services office on their campus can obtain electronic versions of their texts in alternate formats that better suit their needs. Although conversion of textbooks and other printed documents is a boon to students, it is time consuming and labor-intensive.
Course materials that are developed employing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles benefit all students, especially those with disabilities. Students may ultimately need their information in Braille, audio, text-to-speech, or DAISY talking books. With flexible electronic materials, creating these alternate formats becomes quicker and easier. This information was taken from (Unknown, 2005-2010).
The following link will give more information about the site and how to use e-text;
http://accessproject.colostate.edu/udl/modules/etext/mod_etext.cfm
This link also provides an in-depth insight about changing e-text to mp3 format and why it is useful, you will find the information needed on pages 14-17 of this link:
http://www.htctu.net/trainings/manuals/alt/creating_e-text.pdf
The following website created by my colleagues provides further information on AT for the visually impaired/blind.
http://atforvisualimpairment.weebly.com/
The following is a useful power point on AT for the visually impaired/blind:
Asst Tech Yr 4
E-text to MP3 format
E-text is textual information available in an electronic format. This text can be read and interacted with on or by a computer. Given our ability to change or manipulate electronic information, e-text can be converted into several accessible formats to meet students’ various needs.
For students living with visual impairments or learning disabilities, printed formats can be inaccessible. Students who qualify with the disability services office on their campus can obtain electronic versions of their texts in alternate formats that better suit their needs. Although conversion of textbooks and other printed documents is a boon to students, it is time consuming and labor-intensive.
Course materials that are developed employing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles benefit all students, especially those with disabilities. Students may ultimately need their information in Braille, audio, text-to-speech, or DAISY talking books. With flexible electronic materials, creating these alternate formats becomes quicker and easier. This information was taken from (Unknown, 2005-2010).
The following link will give more information about the site and how to use e-text;
http://accessproject.colostate.edu/udl/modules/etext/mod_etext.cfm
This link also provides an in-depth insight about changing e-text to mp3 format and why it is useful, you will find the information needed on pages 14-17 of this link:
http://www.htctu.net/trainings/manuals/alt/creating_e-text.pdf
The following website created by my colleagues provides further information on AT for the visually impaired/blind.
http://atforvisualimpairment.weebly.com/
The following is a useful power point on AT for the visually impaired/blind:
Asst Tech Yr 4