VI Assistive Technology

By Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated: April 12, 2020
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Any adaptive device or service that increases participation, achievement or independence for a student with a disability may be considered assistive technology (AT). Assistive technology helps students who are visually impaired (with and without additional disabilities) increase their access to the general curriculum and improve their academic performance. It is important to thoughtfully consider what devices, tools and technologies will be appropriate to meet the student's individual and unique learning needs. AT devices should not give students an unfair advantage, but instead, should provide them with the independence to compete effectively with peers.

Overview of Assistive Technology

A range of assistive technology devices are available for students who are blind or visually impaired.  This page provides an overview of AT related to visual impairments.

VI Assistive Technology

There is a wide variety of assistive technology specific to persons who are blind or visually impaired. This page provides resource lists of low tech and high tech devices that can be used with persons who are blind or have low vision. ​Within this section you can learn more about: ​​Non-Optical Low Vision Devices, Low/Medium Tech for Tactual Learners, Optical Devices for Near, Optical Devices for Distances, Video Magnifiers, Screen Enlargement & Readers, Braille Technology, Tactile Graphics Technology, Auditory Access Devices

Apps for VI

There are a number of great apps to use with students. Apps that you will find here are those that I have used myself, have been rated well on applevis.com (a community of persons who are blind or visually impaired that trial and rate apps) or have seen featured in conferences. ​​

AT Instruction

Students will need instruction in the use of, features of and proper care of various types of assistive technology. This page provides information on the instructing students in the use of AT. Within this section you can learn more about: Video Magnifier Instruction, Notetaker Instruction, Accessing Audio Books, Navigate Computer without a Mouse, Word Processing and Shortcuts, Keyboarding Instruction

iOS for VI

iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads can be excellent tools to providing access to individuals who are blind or visually impaired and can also be wonderful tools for instruction. This section provides information on built in features that make the iOS device a perfect tool for many individuals with visual impairments. Within this section you can learn more about: ​
iPads as Instructional Tools, Making the iOS Device Accessible, iOS Accessibility Resources, 
VoiceOver

Assistive Technology Assessment

The majority of students who are blind or visually impaired will need some form of assistive technology in order access print on paper as well as electronic forms. Assistive technology (AT) also provides a means for producing written information. Each students unique visual and learning needs must be considered when selecting the appropriate technology.. This page provides information on the components of the Assistive Technology Assessment.

VI AT Resources

This page contains information on Assistive Technology Programs and Organizations that provide assistive technology support and resources to people who are visually impaired and those who work in the field of visual impairments.

Vendors

The vendors on this page specialize in materials and equipment specifically for people who are blind or visually impaired. Some products are available exclusively by the vendor while other materials are available commercially. ​

Resources to Support You in Teaching Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired

ECC Instructional Resources

eCourses

Purchase VI Job Posting

Braille Jewelry

Live Presentations & Workshops

Free Membership

Sign up for free membership to access the FREE downloadable handbooks and handouts on the Free Printable pages (Program printables, FVLMA & Service printables, and VI AT printables) along with access to the Goal Bank pages. Simply click on the Log In | Register link in the navigation bar. If you haven't joined yet, you will be prompted to create a password. ​