Assistive Technologies
“Assistive technology” is the term used to describe an array of devices that function to assist the deaf-blind in communication and accessing the environment. Such technology helps the deaf-blind achieve greater levels of independence.
With the constant increase in technological improvements and innovations, there are increasing opportunities for the deaf-blind to gain more effective, timely, and convenient access to communication and their environment. Many deaf-blind individuals are relying on outdated versions of assistive technologies. Contributions of resources or financial donations help AzADB gain needed technological devices (visit the Donations page of AzADB).
With the constant increase in technological improvements and innovations, there are increasing opportunities for the deaf-blind to gain more effective, timely, and convenient access to communication and their environment. Many deaf-blind individuals are relying on outdated versions of assistive technologies. Contributions of resources or financial donations help AzADB gain needed technological devices (visit the Donations page of AzADB).
Categories of Assistive Technologies
- Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) or Assistive Listening Systems (ALSs)-some commonly known forms of this technology includes hearing aids and cochlear implants.
- Assistive Technology for Cell Phones-provides access to cell phones through screen magnification, voice output, or communication with an electronic braille display.
- Augmentative (or Alternative) Communication Devices-these address the needs of those unable to clearly communicate through spoken language, body language, sign language, handwriting and text-to-speech.
- Braille Terminals or Refreshable Braille Displays-electro-mechanical devices for displaying Braille characters, usually by means of dots that raise and retract through holes in a flat surface.
- Communication Devices Specifically Developed for the Deaf-Blind-Designed for two-way, face-to-face communication. These utilizes large print output (for those with residual sight), text to speech output (for those with residual hearing), and braille terminal technologies.
- Electronic Low-Vision Video Magnification Devices-Utilized by those with residual sight. Displays text or material on large screen computers, televisions, or projectors. Desktop versions are typically designed to magnify for both near or distant viewing tasks, whereas hand-held versions are typically used for near-viewing tasks only.
- Electronic Note Takers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's), & Lap Tops-These provide portable access to electronic books, phone systems for the deaf-blind, wireless email, phone numbers, etc. They also help to perform tasks such as note-taking, e-mail, word processing, task and time management activities, GPS and so forth.
- Electronic Obstacle Detection Devices-Hand-held devices that are typically used in conjunction with a cane to alert the individual (through sound or vibration) of obstacles in front of the area it is pointing at.
- Equipment for Daily Living Purposes-There is a variety of equipment out there that can help one to identify money, color of clothing, contents of packages that are bar-coded, insulin levels, blood pressure, etc.
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Systems-these provide deaf-blind individuals with the capacity to scan printed text and then have it spoken in synthetic speech and/or produced in Braille.
- Screen Magnification-Software that provides the user with easy to read "smooth" fonts. The user can adjust magnification levels as well as color of fonts and background.
- Screen Readers-Software applications that attempt to identify and interpret what is being displayed on the computer screen and then presented to the user with text-to-speech, sound icons, or through a braille output device.
- Signaling and Alerting Devices-Equipment which allows (usually through vibration) the deaf-blind user to know that the phone or doorbell is ringing, the smoke alarm is going off, the baby is crying, etc.
- Video Phones-Relatively inexpensive technology that allows the deaf and hard-or-hearing new levels of communication with distant friends and loved ones. Images on video phones can be enlarged by zoom features and by using large screens in conjunction with ALS (Assistive Listening Systems).
- Way-Finding Technologies or GPS-These provide the deaf-blind with the ability to plan their travel routes before they leave the house so that their trips are more effective.
