The task
for this class is described in the screen shot:
Deaf Blind
This term categorizes individuals that have little or no hearing
coupled with little or no vision. These disabilities often limit/restrict
their full participation in society without the use of services and
technological aids within society. Individuals with this disability often
rely more heavily on their other senses to make up for their deficits in vision
and hearing. It is
important to note that deaf blind individuals might have some vision or
hearing, so no technology is suitable for everyone.
Low Tech AT
White cane
Deaf blind
or blind individuals, or individuals with vision that is limited, use this in a
public setting, both to ensure a clear path for walking as well as to indicate
to others that they are visually impaired.
A deaf blind person would also need a guide because of the inability to
hear.
American Sign Language and
braille
ASL
allows communication directly with another person without relying on hearing
and speech. Because deaf blind individuals
cannot see, they would need to feel the person signing. Both people need to understand ASL for it to
be an effective way of communicating. Braille
is a tactile writing system for the blind that uses embossed paper. Technology allows increased accessibility for
braille, as discussed in the high tech section.
Medium Tech AT
Tactile communication cards
These
cards have items attached that give a tactile sensation to the user, so a blind
individual will know which card he or she is touching. They can be used to communicate one or
several words, including needs or desires.
However, transporting the cards or using them to convey complex messages
would be difficult. Therefore, these cards
are best suited to young children learning in a classroom or home environment,
or perhaps cognitively disabled individuals who can only communicate in very
simple terms.
Accessibility options on computers
and mobile devices
These
options can alter what is seen or heard from a device—they might be used to
increase icon or font size or alter colour contrast, or link through earphones
or Bluetooth to a headset to increase volume.
The more powerful of the two seems to be the visual accessibility
options, but obviously an individual could not be totally blind if this were to
be useful.
High Tech AT
Braille writer and display
(deaf-blind communicator)
This
allows deaf blind individuals to communicate with hearing, sighted people. They can type with a braille notepad that is on
or interfaced through a computer or smart device and the braille will be
converted to digital text. This text can
be sent as a message. A digital text
message that is received will be translated into braille embossing on the
braille display, so the deaf blind person can access that information. While this opens many communication
possibilities for the deaf blind, the cost of the technology might be prohibitive
to some.
Link accessed June 4, 2014
·
Color ID Free uses
the built in camera to identify the colors of items such as clothing,
furniture, papers, etc.
·
Taxi Magic enables
users to book and manage their rides. Once you have set up your name and
address, it is easy to book a cab and schedule it for immediate pick-up or for
later. This app allows users to track
their taxi so they don’t have to wait outside in bad weather and the fare can
be paid directly on the iPhone. Taxi
Magic booking is not available in all areas.
·
Light Detector will
enable blind or visually impaired users to tell whether lights are off or on –
saving on electricity bills. Cost: $0.99
·
LookTel Money
Reader will recognize the denomination of paper money when the bill is held in
front of the camera within your phone.
Cost: $9.99.
·
Sorenson Buzz Cards
can be used to communicate with people who don’t know sign language and are
especially useful in restaurants, stores, when using public transportation,
etc. Users can create cards ahead of
time or edit them as the need arises.
Favorite cards can be saved to be used again such as “where is the
restroom?” and responses can be typed right back to the user.
·
VizWiz, CamFind,
oMobey, and TapTapSee are apps that allow blind users to photograph an object,
such as a can of soup, or a scene, such as a mountain view, and get information
about the product or scene.
·
Allmenus gives
users access to food options by restaurant, name, cuisine, or nearby locations.
There is quick access to place orders online, call for reservations, or place
orders over the phone.
All these apps increase independence of deaf blind individuals. For those with no sight or hearing, obviously
the deaf-blind communicator would be necessary for optimal functioning.
High Impact Videos
Two short
stories from the news:
One
informational video (very impressive and absolutely worth watching):
I have learned so much in this course! Thanks to Barb and all participants!
