• CCTV – Closed Circuit Television
• Large image software
• Screen-reader software
• Refreshable braille displays
• OCR software
• Electronic notetakers
• Get the AT that suits you most

CCTV – Closed Circuit Television

For people with low vision, a CCTV enlarges text and images and enhances the colour contrasts on paper documents, pill bottles, cans, etc. CCTVs generally incorporate a monitor, camera, and sliding table. They come in desktop and portable models, and may offer black-and-white or colour images.

Large image software

Large image software is used by people with limited vision to enlarge and enhance the contrast of screen information. A variety of specialised views can be set up to accommodate a person's eye condition. An optional screen reader provides the user with speech feedback as they work.

Screen-reader software

This software enables blind, deafblind or vision-impaired people to listen to information that sighted people would see on the screen. Keystroke commands enable the user to control how the information is presented audibly or in braille on a refreshable braille display.

Refreshable braille displays

Refreshable braille displays provide a brailled representation of the text appearing on a computer monitor. These devices can be essential for working people or school students because they provide a silent and efficient means of reading computer screens.

Braille displays are used with screen-reader software. They sit under or in front of a computer keyboard or laptop. As information changes on the computer screen, the individual cells on the braille display change to create braille characters. Typically, there are 40 cells in a horizontal row, each containing eight plastic pins.

OCR software

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software coupled with a desktop scanner can convert letter-quality paper text into an electronic document. Once in an electronic format, OCR software can enlarge and enhance the contrast of this text. Users can have the text read back to them via a built-in screen- reader.

Electronic notetakers

These offer speech synthesis with or without braille displays. They are used by persons with a visual impairment to take notes, keep track of appointments, and to manage their files. They are portable, and can be run on batteries for extended periods of time. They easily interface with personal computers.

Get the AT that suits you most

If you're looking for greater access to print or electronic information, be sure to have an assessment from a qualified Adaptive Communications Technologist (ACT).

For more information please call 0800 24 33 33 and ask for your local Adaptive Technology Consultant.