Researcn Activity: Blindness

Assistive Technology Devices

JAWS
http://www.nanopac.com/JAWS.htm
This is not exactly the webpage for JAWS but it is an informational page about JAWS. JAWS is a screen reading tool made for Microsoft Windows. The program uses a voice synthesizer and the computer’s sound card to read aloud the contents of the computer screen. JAWS works with applications such as email, word processors, and webpages. Many business and schools use JAWS to assist visually impaired individuals. A great feature of this program is its ability to print the computer contents in Braille.

ZoomText
http://www.aisquared.com/
ZoomText is a device that enhances the screen of the user’s computer. It is also a device in which the computer screen is read aloud to the user through what is called a NeoSpeach synthesizer. With ZoomText the user can be visually impaired and still able to have access to their computer. This program also has a text finder. With the text finder a user is able to type in a word or phrase and the program will fin the text within the application the user chooses.

Kurzweil 1000
http://www.kurzweiledu.com/kurz1000.aspx
As with the other two programs listed previously, this program is also able to read aloud to the user. Kurzweil 1000 makes reading, writing, and learning easier for blind and visually impaired students. The program is able to access resources such as encyclopedias, eBooks, and magazines. Users may send their selected readings to a Braille printing services or transfer the data to an MP3 audio player for on-the-go use. It is said that this program is user friendly for beginners. This is a tool designed around the needs for children, thus being most helpful for them.

Assistech Special Needs
http://www.azhearing.com/index.htm
Assistech is a website that is webpage that sells products for people with disabilities. Their mission is to provide individuals with special needs with products to enhance their independent and active lives. For the blind and visually impaired Assistech sells products such as Talking Watches or watches with Braille. The site also has telephones with a picture system which is programmed to call the person who is featured in the picture. This site has is not as appealing because it is very cluttered and unorganized. But, if one able to look past that they’ll find this site to be very useful.

MoPix
http://ncam.wgbh.org/mopix/
This website explains the new technology that is now provided in the movie theaters for people with disabilities. Now, individuals who are hearing impaired can enjoy the big screen with this closed captioning on a Window Captioning Reflector. With the use of a Rear Window Captioning System, the audience is able to sit anywhere in the theater and the Window Captioning Reflector displays the text on the window. MoPix also has a Descriptive Narrative feature for those who are visually impaired. This feature describes to an individual the scenery, facial expression, and other events that the individual is not able to experience. Technology is moving in the right direction to help individuals with disabilities be included in the community.

Online Resources:

Wikipedia—The Free Encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blindness
Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia where users can add credible information that is verified by the creators of the site. Wikipedia also offers references at the end of the selection along with external links. For the selection of Blindness, ample information was given on the disability, touching on the definition, causes, and adaptive technologies to name a few. The page also offers pictures to show examples of sections discussed.

Blindness in Depth
http://blindness.growingstrong.org/
Blindness in Depth was created by an individual who is visually impaired. There is an ample amount of information provided on this resource which the creator, Sarah J. Blake complied. The site was created mainly for the visually impaired so it is not decorated in the same fashion as the other websites. Much of the information provided is through Blake’s own experiences and research. She provides links, product information, and inspiration through her site. What makes this site an incredible resource is the amount of information that can be used by both the visually impaired and sighted.

Effectiveness of Assistive Technology and Environmental Interventions in Maintaining Independence and Reducing Home Care Costs for the Frail Elderly
http://archfami.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/8/3/210
This very interesting article is based on a study conducted by William C. Mann, et al. The study had 104 participants, fifty-two of which were with treatment and the other fifty-two without. The study was conducted to show that with the use of assistive technology and devices people with disabilities are able to lead independent lives. During the 18-month long study participants who were given treatment, also know as the assistive device, had a higher functional independence measure as compared to those without. This is a great article if one wants to prove that having an assistive device is a great advantage.

Questia: Coping With Blindness: Personal Tales of Blindness Rehabilitation
http://www.questia.com/PM.qst;jsessionid=Lh8Yym52xY06j2WJVHjkl2pNQ9f9g0H4GH9H1xgxdjpxs39hh8jJ!2068070782?a=o&d=104359966
This resource is a 110 page online book. The self explanatory title grabs the attention of the reader to look beyond the title page. The book has twelve personal stories filled with encouragement and inspiration. The book is an incredible resource for those who would like to share a story of the struggles and successes of those who are visually impaired. Some stories include descriptions of how the characters went through their everyday lives using assistive devices. Though the focus of the stories are not on the devices it is a great insight as to how visually impaired individuals used tools to make their lives a little easier.

Visual Disabilities
http://www.webaim.org/articles/visual/blind.php
This interesting article contains four parts. The first part is the introduction which is just the same as any other introduction. The second part describes the concept of “blindness” and gives explanation of how individuals who are visually impaired browse the internet. The third section explains “Low Vision” and the different causes and types of it. Finally, the fourth describes “Colored Blindness” and its types and causes. The website is easy to navigate and offers vital information. The greatest item on this site is the table of information that explains challenges for users who are visually impaired and the solutions for the webpage creator. This is a great resource for anyone who is building a page.

Webpages:

General Information about Blindness
http://www.blind.net/generali.htm
This is a great informational website. Though it is not updated very frequently it provides a large number of important facts for the visually impaired and the sighted. Along with the information given external links are also provided, although some do not work. A whole page is dedicated to a list of rehabilitation centers for the blind for all over the United States including Guam. The rehabilitation list is a part of the a section of the webpage all on Services for The Blind. This webpage is a great site to find important information for visual impairment.

Schwab Learning
http://www.schwablearning.org/articles.aspx?r=1071
Schwab Learning is a website originally built by the Charles and Helen Foundation. This website offers information on an array of disabilities. The site has easy navigation with access to external links for other helpful tools and news.¬¬¬¬ The page of focus gives information on assistive technology tools to help an individual with visual impairment read. Information along with external links are provided for products for the purpose of helping these individuals read. At the end of the article there is a disclaimer that explains that the provided is strictly for this purpose and is not an endorsement of any kind.

Information about Blindness
http://www.globalexplorers.org/leadingtheway/more/information_about_blindness/
This attractive webpage acts as a rod and reel fishing pole; it grabs the viewer’s attention and entices him to look further. This site is for individuals with visual impairments who want to travel. The experience is geared more toward young adults to “see” life in a different perspective. It is designed to participants a greater self-esteem and sense of being. The site offers links to view previous endeavors and other informational sites. All in all, the site is easy to navigate and one that a viewer would want to keep browsing through.

Freedom Scientific
http://www.freedomscientific.com/
Freedom Scientific is one of the best websites for assistive technology tools. Their mission is to provide those with visual impairments and learning disabilities with tools to aide them. The site offers many links view and learn about such products for assistance. Not only is the site informational, it also offers links for training and downloads.

Seeing Disabilities from A Different Perspective
http://library.thinkquest.org/5852/blind1.htm
Seeing disabilities from a different perspective is exactly what this website does. The site touches on a few of the most common disabilities. These disabilities include autism, blindness, cerebral palsy, and deafness. The webpage also offers activities and simulations to help people without these disabilities understand how individuals with these disabilities feel. With all that a viewer has learned quiz is provided to help test the newly gained knowledge. The webpage is very colorful and easy to navigate. All the information provided is interesting and laid out in an easy to use fashion.