Equipment
Here is some of the equipment used by people who are blind, deafblind or vision-impaired.
- White Cane
- This is the most common mobility aid used by people who are blind, deafblind or vision-impaired. They use canes to gain information about the safety of the route or path they are travelling and locate objects in front of them on the ground. It also helps other people recognise that a person is blind. Canes are white and come in a variety of sizes to suit the person using them. There are metal, wooden and plastic canes. The most popular are metal canes which can be folded down to a compact size when not being used.
- Braille
- A system of reading and writing using a combination of 6 raised dots. Braille is used on clocks, watches, as labels and on many appliances to help people. Braille cards and games are also popular.
- Brailler
- Similar to a typewriter, this embosses braille onto a page so it can be read.
- Lap Top Computer
- Many students use lap top computers to help them with their school work. Some computers have "voices" which speak aloud the words being typed and read material on the computer screen. Other computers have large print which allows someone with low vision to use them. Braille output and input computers are also used by some students.
- Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
- Printed material placed under a CCTV can be magnified up to 60 times onto a screen similar to a television.
- Talking Books
- Books and magazines are recorded onto tape and can be borrowed free of charge by people who are blind or vision impaired.
- Talking Clocks And Watches
- Talking clocks and watches announce the time.
- Talking Calculators
- These announce the numbers as a person adds, subtracts, divides or multiplies.
- Magnifiers
- A range of hand held magnifiers are available which enlarge material placed under them.
- Miniscope
- Many students use these to look at things in the distance e.g. writing on the blackboard, overheads etc.
- Liquid Level Indicator
- This small piece of equipment can be attached to a cup or glass. When water is poured into the glass, the indicator gives a loud beep when the water level is near the top. People who are blind use these to assist them making tea and pouring drinks.
- Cricket Balls
- These balls make a sound when thrown or hit, and are used by children with a vision impairment to play games like cricket and hockey.
- Other Equipment
- Many different types of equipment are used by people who are blind in their home, in their work, at school and outside.