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November 2013 - Volume 29, Issue 3
Have you ever wondered how the iPhone can assist someone with low vision, what a Navigator is, or how a student who is blind or vision impaired can make the transition to the workplace? All these questions and more can be answered at the Royal Society for the Blind’s Adaptive Technology Centre.
The Royal Society for the Blind (RSB) Adaptive Technology Centre (ATC) was the first of its kind in Australia, opening in 1996. Providing the largest display of Adaptive Technology in Australia, the main role of the ATC is to provide people who are blind or vision impaired with the opportunity to access, trial and train with the latest Adaptive Technology equipment.
For the billions of people around the world who use smartphone and tablet devices, it’s hard to remember what life was like before this revolutionary technology was at their fingertips. However, most users are unaware that these extraordinary devices come fully equipped with many Adaptive Technology capabilities that are single-handedly changing the lives of people who are blind or vision impaired.
By looking at a smartphone or tablet it’s hard to comprehend that within these small, lightweight, portable devices are pre-existing features like screen reading software, zoom magnification capabilities, voice-operated command systems as well as the ability to alter text size and invert colours. It’s even more astounding to discover that when used in conjunction with downloadable apps, that these streamlined devices can perform the same functions, and in some cases even take the place of many individual pieces of Adaptive Technology or Low Vision Products.
Abstract
‘Assistive computer technologies’ aim to reduce the discrepancy in access to the growing computer technology between those with and without vision impairment. This pilot study found that the Dolphin Guide software significantly increased a visually impaired person’s demand and assurance in using certain computer technology functions.
Review of products include: Eye-Pal Reader, I-LoView 7, Merlin HD LCD, Ruby and Zoomtext 10.
Like many of us, Michael Zannis leads a hectic life juggling two jobs along with sporting commitments and abusy social life. But thanks to the life-changing advancements in Adaptive Technology and Low Vision Products, you would never guess that Michael is in fact totally blind.
Michael juggles the commitments of everyday life – from his role as a Braille Trainer at the Royal Society for the Blind (RSB), to his marketing career and various hobbies. But unlike sighted people, Michael relies on a vast array of Adaptive Technology and Low Vision Products to make his way through each day.
Sharing insight into what it’s like to walk a day in his shoes, Michael concedes that his day really starts the night before where he uses apiece of technology called an ID Mate to get organised.
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