Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired: Tools & Resources

There are many choices in adaptive equipment for people who are blind. There are radio shows that broadcast news and TV shows 24 hours a day, companies that will translate almost any book into Braille, adaptive equipment for many sports and of course computer programs that will talk your way through navigating the Internet and home computer.

iPod Nano

• The 4th generation iPod Nano has voice menus that allow you to choose songs without having to see the screen.

Tactile Graphics

• It is possible to order books that have touchable drawings and graphs that can be read with your fingertips.

Tandem Bikes

• Tandem bikes are used in the U.S. ABA - Association of Blind Athletes, allowing people with blindness the ability to bicycle in races and other events.

Foot Marker

• In archery, a person who is blind can utilize a foot marker that helps the shooter adjust her particular stance to the same position each time she returns to the shooting line.

Guide Rails

• Guide rails are available for bowlers with blindness and the units are portable. Once set up on the bowling lane, the weight of the bowling ball holds the guide rail in place.

Talking Watches

• Talking watches are available and you can get a verbal time of day with the touch of a button.

Liquid Level Indicator

• You can purchase indicators that will play music when the level of poured liquid reaches your desired point.