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Video Magnifier Instruction

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com

Video magnifiers are an ideal option when a student needs greater magnification and when contrast enhancement will assist the student in reading print. The video magnifier will allow access to regular print materials with the ability to enlarge and write on worksheets. The video magnifier also provides a larger field of view and gives the student a longer working distance when higher degrees of magnification is needed which is very beneficial when reading lengthier passages. This will prepare the student for adult life when most environmental, educational, and leisure reading materials will be available only in regular print.

A video magnifier (formally called a CCTV) provides electronic magnification through the use of a video camera that projects the image of what the camera is focused on, on a screen. Video magnifiers have traditionally been used for near viewing, but many video magnifiers now also have distance viewing capabilities. To make tracking and scanning easier, many video magnifiers come with a table (referred to as an XY table) that is movable in different directions. Some video magnifiers are small, portable and allow the user to carry the magnifier with them to view anything within reach including labels and packages at stores, menus, maps, medicine bottles, etc.

Video Magnifier Instruction

After receiving an assistive technology assessment, it may be determined that the student would benefit from an Electronic or Video Magnifier (sometimes called a CCTV) for near viewing. The student will need to be instructed on how to use the device properly. Even students who have previously learned how to use this device will need to be instructed in its use if they receive a new one with different features.

Skills the students will need to learn include:

The concept of "in focus" and how to bring the image into focus.
How to change the image size and then focus. Provide the students with materials of various print sizes and practice adjusting the image appropriately.
How to spot or locate an image on the page and then focus.
How to move the tray systematically, tracking left to right and then moving the tray away from oneself to move down the page. Some models do not include a tray and it can be purchased separately. The student may prefer simply moving the material instead of using the tray.
To follow a line of text, and then track down to locate the next line of text.
To use various features of the electronic magnifier and when it is adventitious to use those features.
To become accustomed to writing and drawing while looking at the monitor.
To care for the video magnifier and demonstrate safe use.

Assistive Technology Forms

Sign up for free membership to access the FREE VI AT forms and references on the Free VIAT Printables page. 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. Below are just a few examples of the free VI AT Printables.

Decision Guide for Electronic Braillewriter

Selecting the Right AT for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired Recorded Presentation

$25.00

Are you overwhelmed by the process of selecting assistive technology for your students? This presentation will encompass the process and steps of selecting the right assistive technology for students who are blind or visually impaired using the SETT framework. Key points covered in this presentation include identification of the current problem; consideration of current skills; understanding unique visual and learning needs; awareness of AT for VI; AT equipment considerations; the process of building a toolkit; instructional strategies; and next steps.

Objectives:

Identify required steps in conducting an AT evaluation for students with visual impairments.
Analyze student’s current skills and unique needs to make appropriate AT recommendations
Develop strategies for selecting low, mid and high tech Assistive Technology

Includes:

Recorded PowerPoint Show
Transcript
Presentation handout
Printables & Links to Resources discussed in presentation

Request a Certificate of Completion

To receive a certificate of completion for 1 contact hour, complete the short "Selecting the Right AT" quiz on Google Forms and receive a score of at least 80%. Don't worry. If you don't pass, you can re-watch the presentation and retake the test! If you have any accessibility issues with the form, please don't hesitate to let me know and we can make other arrangements.

System Requirements:

Presentations are recorded PowerPoint presentations. You must be able to access PowerPoint to view the PowerPoint presentation. Please note that the presentation pages are closed member pages available to individuals who have purchase access to the presentation.

*Please contact me if you need to purchase using a purchase order. I am happy to help guide you in the process of adding Teaching Students with Visual Impairments as an approved vendor for your school or program or you can visit the product support page for information on using a PO.

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