There are a number of practices and tools in educational technology that assist visually impaired students. Consider the following:
Practices:
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) - a framework for reshaping education that encourages teachers to use flexible digital media to "create curriculum with built-in adjustability so that each learner finds the content and level of challenge and support that's right for him or her" (Rose & Meyer, 2006, ix)
Online learning - blind and visually impaired students have found success and satisfaction in learning online. Those designing online courses should consider the simplicity, interactivity and accessibility of their course content to ensure they reach the maximum number of students (Coombs & Banks, in Kinash & Paszuk, 2007)
Web site accessibility - the Web Accessibility initiative (WAI) has clearly laid out to web designers ways in which web sites can be created that allow blind viewers and others with disabilities full access to the content
Tools:
There is a growing number of products and tools being created or adapted to allow students with visual impairments the opportunities to learn with their peers. The tools mentioned below have all been described by Kinash and Paszuk (2007) and are not intended to be an exhaustive list, but a starting point.
Kurzweil-National Federation of the Blind Reader (K-NFB Reader) - a hand-held device that takes digital photos of documents then reads the text aloud
JAWS Dongle - screen reading software that allows its users to view web sites and computer content
Key to Access - a combination of USB memory stick and MP3 player/recorder, this device allows its user to listen to digitized books and voice recordings
Franklin Language Master 6000 SE - a talking dictionary that reads screens and speaks words at the user's selected speed
Zoom Text 9.0 - screen magnification and reading software used for web sites, emails and creating documents
Smart View - through the use of a video camera and display, this tool magnifies and enhances printed material
Liberty - a portable magnifier
PAC Mate - a portable Braille recorder and display, which allows users to obtain and deliver information in Braille
Braille Blazer - a Braille embosser that conveys information into printed Braille
OpenBook - allows users to read and edit printed media through a scanning device
Dragon Naturally Speaking - voice recognition software that allows its users to use a computer for writing without having to use a keyboard
References
Kinash, S. & Paszuk, A. (2007). Accessible education for blind learners: Kindergarten through postsecondary. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
Web Accessibility Initiative (2007). Retrieved June 1, 2007 from http://www.w3.org/WAI/.
