Adaptations for the Visually-Impaired - Equity of Access: Adaptive Technology - The Research Center on Computing & Society

Text-only Version

Frances S. Grodzinsky

Adaptations for the Visually-Impaired

Figure 1 - Spectrum, Jr.
In order to read full text, users with visual disabilities should have a 17-to-21 inch monitor. In addition, adaptive devices are able to adjust font, size, and color, which otherwise can be barriers for users with visual impairments. Magic Deluxe is a screen enlarger program that works on the PC. It can magnify text two, four, six, eight, and twelve times and is adjustable. Students with visual disabilities can also be served by voice input devices (see previous section). In addition, the Spectrum Jr.* (see Figure 1) is a full-color video magnifier that allows the user to adjust the magnification and color of text or graphics that he or she is reading. It is a free-standing scanner. Reading Edge and the Bookwise Scanner by Xerox* allow books to be scanned onto tape and into the computer with voice output. Several voices and speeds can be chosen to accommodate the user. ZoomCaps Keyboard Labels (see Figure 2) are enlarged keyboard character labels that come in white on black and black on white. They help with the visibility of characters on the keyboard.

Figure 2 - ZoomCaps Keyboard Labels

*Editor’s note: Some products listed on this page may no longer be available.

Back to the top

Go to: Devices for Students with Learning Disabilities

Home > Research Resources > Adaptive Technology > Equity of Access: Adaptive Technology

The Research Center on Computing & Society
at Southern Connecticut State University
501 Crescent Street • New Haven, CT 06515
Director: (203) 392-6790 • e-mail: webmaster@computerethics.org

© 2000 – 2007 – Research Center on Computing & Society