Online assignment: Video on Disability

This past Saturday, the class was given the task to investigate relevant videos on specific disabilities: my partner and I were assigned the disability category of  visual impairment or blindness.

After searching the internet, I found a couple that addressed the needs of the visually impaired.

The first video showes an AT device that I had never heard of before: a Tactile Image Enhancer, or T.I.E., which is described as Assistive Technology for the Blind. Tactile graphics are becoming an essential part of a complete learning experience for visually impaired or blind students in the school system.  This video is American and refers to standardized state testing and I have not seen such a machine in a school that I have worked in to date but I must admit that the machine demonstrated in the video is pretty cool.



More information can be found at the website http://www.repro-tronics.com/tie.html which indicates this machine creates a tactile, sensory image for the visually impaired; a china pencil is used to draw onto chemically treated, cotton-woven paper and inserted into the machine which heats the paper. The resulting output of paper reveals that dark marks become raised lines - thicker lines become more pronounced (raised) and the resulting image (produced in less than 10 min.) is felt by finger touch to enhance learning experiences. Also beneficial for creating graphic organizers, tables and charts for students.

The second video is from the INDATA project at Easter Seals Crossroads which discusses and demonstrates some iPad apps for the low vision population.



All the apps addressed are available from the itunes Apple store. Discussed in the video are:

Magnifier – free: view enlarged pictures or print, goes from 1X to 9X,will take a picture which will allow the iPad to be viewed closer to the eyes for closer viewing. This was my favorite app as it worked really well as is practical.
HAL – talking calculator with extremely large numbers.

Mapquest – can give verbal directions to the map app and tell it with voice where you want to go.

MoneyReader –uses camera to determine the value of the money when money is placed behind the touch screen in the camera location. This app uses voice to speak the value of the money after reading identifying data on the bill, not necessarily the number on the money, to determine its value. Works for American dollars but not sure if it would work with Canadian money.

QuickVoice – it makes quick recordings so verbal notes can be made. Two large buttons at bottom of screen for start and stop for recording make it easy to use.

VoCal – a calender that gives verbal reminders – a button is pressed to set time for the verbal reminder to go off.