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What do we mean by 'vision impaired' ?


There are various definitions which describe this disability, but in simple terms it could be:

  • Partially sighted - a person can see but with some difficulty;

  • Low vision - a more severe impairment of vision, but not necessarily limited to distance vision. This would be someone with sight who is unable to read a newspaper at a normal viewing distance, even with the aid of eyeglasses or contact lenses;

  • Blind - a person having no useful sight.


How does someone with a vision impairment use a computer ?


This is where Assistive Technology (AT) comes into play. Dependent on the severity of the impairment, there are a number of products available or computer adjustments that can be made, which allow you to use a computer more easily.

Those with partial or low vision:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresnel_lens http://science.howstuffworks.com/question244.htm http://www.pa.uky.edu/sciworks/physicspettingzoo/Fresnel.htm

Those with no useful sight:


T3 Tactile Talking Technology
T3 Tactile Talking Technology screenshotThe T3 is a touch sensitive, multi sensory device which provides instant audio feedback from tactile images. This combination of sound and touch transforms the way in which people who are visually impaired can access graphical information. The T3 is connected to a standard PC or laptop computer via a USB connection and the self-installing programme CD is inserted. To activate the system all that is needed is a T3 tactile diagram overlay to be placed on the surface of the device and touched by the operators finger.
(Source: Royal National College for the Blind)

Products in practice


This is a novel way to use a Fresnel lens !



Using a screen reader. This is a free one called 'Thunder'.



Using AT - overcoming Low/No vision difficulties.

Using a screen magnifier - in this example, 'ZoomText'.



Useful Resources













Free software