Computer+Screen+Adaptations+for+the+Visually+Impaired

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With the need for the use of technology growing in our classroom, our students are using computers on a daily basis. While we must have technology for all of our students, not all have the same abilities. One challenge a student might face with using computers is with their vision. Students with low vision can still perform tasks on the computer, with simple modifications that we can make using Web 2.0 tools.=====

Students with low vision can still have the ability to see the computer screen, but may have difficulties in doing so. Screen magnification programs can assist students who have visual impairments, but still have the ability to see objects on the screen. Screen magnification can work in several ways. Programs that are housed in many school computers, such as Microsoft Word, can enlarge and highlight fonts to make words easier to read. When using the Internet, or a program that requires the user to view the entire page, a screen magnification program can be used. A screen magnification program is installed in the computer. When used, wherever the cursor is pointing on the page is enlarged as if the user was using a magnifying glass on the page. Many screen magnification programs have features such as the ability to change the size of the cursor, and the directions in which the cursor can move. Many of these magnification programs can be expensive. According to the American Foundation for the Blind, "Full-featured screen magnifiers cost between $300-$400 and can go as high as $600". This can be very expensive for a school, especially with budgets the way that they have been. This brings us to the Virtual Magnifying Glass 3.4, found at http://magnifier.sourceforge.net/. This is a free screen magnification program that can be downloaded into the computer. This program is one of the many technologies that is emerging that is free to use, which is very helpful in the school setting. The scale of the magnification can be changed in this program to fit students' visual needs. The Virtual Magnifying glass is a very useful Web 2.0 tool, because it allows students to enlarge objects that they may have difficulty seeing otherwise, and is also free. It can also be used whether your school is Mac or PC based.

Screen Magnifiers are very helpful in our classrooms where we have students with varying visual abilities. The size of the magnification can be altered, based on the students visual need. Screen Magnifiers can assist our students who have low vision by enlarging the screen, and making objects more clear and easier to see. I see this as a tool that also would come in handy for all students, even if they do not have low vision, such as students who may need items enlarged for emphasis or clarity of what is important in an idea. Overall, the "Virtual Magnifying Glass" is an extremely useful Web 2.0 tool because it is free, making it accessible for use in the classroom.

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http://magnifier.sourceforge.net/

=What's New in 2016=  The term "visual impairment" is used to describe a wide range of conditions which affect clarity of vision and visual field. With current technology, not only can students with low vision find adaptive technology to help them with the screen but now students who are completely blind can find adaptive technology to also help them with the screen and almost any type of social media. For example, speech synthesis can read a file to a blind person. This eliminates the need for it to be translated into braille. However, there still is specialized equipment for the visually impaired. For those who need the use of Braille, they can use portable Braille computer and Braille input and output devices for standard computers. Some other types of adaptive technology that would help a student working with a computer screen would be speech access software and Braille translator software.

 The most basic of adaptive technology for those with low vision is now usually built into most computers at no additional costs. This includes magnifying the screen, enlarging the text or changing the contrast, to just name a few. You can also purchase tablets, such as the Kindle Fire, for around $139.00. These tablets have some great adaptive abilities for those with visual impairments. An example would be a screen reader called Talkback, large fonts, and a screen magnifier or magnification gestures. Also fortunately in 2016 many of these adaptions to the computer screens have become much more affordable than they were in 2010. Today Computers for the Blind, a nonprofit organization, offers computers to consumers and state agencies for a processing fee of $110 for a desktop and $160 for a laptop. For more information on **Computers for the Blind**, E-Mail Computers for the Blind or call 214.340.6328 by Dede Mattek

[|http://www.inclusive.co.uk/articles/technology-for-the-visually-impaired-a281#] [] []