Assistive Technology Demonstrations

Creator: Accessible Libraries

Date Updated: March 25, 2024

Overview

Assistive technology refers to products, equipment, and systems that enhance reading, learning, working, and daily living for people with disabilities. These include items such as screen readers, magnification and enhancement software, refreshable braille displays, and more! We have provided explanations and a few example demonstrations of how people use assistive technologies, so you can understand the role in their lives.

1. Screen Readers
2. Screen Magnification and Enhancement Software
3. Refreshable Braille Displays
4. Voice-To-Text
5. Switch Devices
6. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
7. Visual Timers and Schedulers
8. Acknowledgements

Screen Readers

Screen readers are software that reads the elements on the screen of a computer or mobile device using text-to-speech technology. They enable people who are blind or have low vision to use a computer or mobile device independently to access applications and websites.

Simon Jaeger, an accessibility analyst at the National Network for Equitable Library Service, will demonstrate how to turn on VoiceOver on his iOS device.

You can download the transcript here:

In the next demonstration, let’s learn how screen readers navigate websites.

Screen Magnification and Enhancement Software

Screen magnification and enhancement software magnifies elements on digital/electronic screens and allows users to adjust other visual settings (contrast, cursor appearance, etc.), increasing visibility and usability for users with low-vision.

Refreshable Braille Displays

Refreshable braille displays are hardware devices that often connect to a computer or mobile device and translate text into braille. They do this with the help of a screen reader’s braille features. Braille is read by touch; therefore, this setup is suitable for users who are blind, low-vision, or D/deafblind.

Let’s check out a demonstration of a refreshable braille display by Ka LI, an accessibility analyst at NNELS.

Voice-to-Text

Voice-to-text technology is a tool that helps people with disabilities to speak instead of type. It listens to their voice and turns what they say into written words on a screen. This is helpful for people with difficulty typing due to physical disabilities as it can allow them to communicate, write documents, or browse the internet more easily.

Here is Adam C. to demonstrate how Adam uses Voice-to-Text technologies in two seperate demonstrations.

Switch Devices

Switch devices allow individuals with mobility disabilities to interact with computers, communication devices, or environmental controls using switches or other alternative input methods.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Systems and Devices

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems and devices include communication boards, speech-generating devices, and symbol-based communication aids, assist individuals with communication disabilities in expressing themselves.

Visual Timers and Schedulers

Visual timers and schedulers allow users to smoothly transition from one task to another. They use visuals like colours, progress bars, or pictures to help people with disabilities manage time and daily routines. Timers show time passing visually, while schedulers use pictures or symbols to represent tasks or activities. They’re customizable and can reduce stress by providing clear cues and promoting independence.

Acknowledgments

We’d like to thank Simon Jaeger, Ka Li, and Adam C. for creating demonstrations for this resource.