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Assistive Technology Products

    Creator: American Foundation for the Blind

    Date Updated: January 3, 2023

    Overview

    The American Foundation of the Blind (AFB) provides a list of assistive technologies (also known as access technologies) that persons with print disabilities use to consume content. The products page includes a summary of the different technologies as well as the different types and options for each one.

    The information on this page is summarized from the Assistive Technology Products pages.

    Quick Facts

    Below are the assistive technologies that are the most applicable for libraries:

    • Refreshable Braille Displays connect to the information on a computer screen, raising and lowering the pins in the device to represent braille cells. Refreshable refers to the movement and changing of the braille pins as the operator navigates around the computer screen (using the keyboard, screen reader commands, etc.). The refreshable braille displays that can be purchased include Active Braille, Brillant B 80, and Vario Ultra 40.
    • Screen Readers are software programs (available on different platforms like Apple, Android, and Windows) that allow persons who are blind or with low vision to read the text of a screen (computer or mobile device). Screen reader users navigate through the digital device or platform using specialized keyboard commands that can differ between screen reader software. Examples of screen readers include JAWS, VoiceOver, and NVDA.
    • Screen Magnification Systems acts as a magnified glass that moves over a digital screen (on a computer or mobile device) to enlarge the text and graphics. The screen magnification system follows the user’s mouse or keyboard as they move across the screen. Examples of screen magnification software include MAGic, ZoomText, and Supernova Magnifier.
    • Audible and Tactile Sign technologies create signs and surfaces that either have sound or braille, so they are accessible for persons with low vision. The PrestoBraille Signmaker will create accessible (tactile or audible) signs.
    • There are many Games and Activities that are accessible, like electronic games that can be used with screen readers and physical games that are available in large print, braille, or tactile. Examples of accessible games include braille or large-print bingo cards, braille Monopoly, and large-print Scrabble.
    • Lighting can be made accessible if you use specialized bulbs to help persons with low vision. The light bulbs can, in some cases, mimic natural sunlight to brighten an entire room. Examples of accessible lighting include Chromalux Natural Light Bulbs and Dazor Halogen Lamp.

    Visit the Assistive Technology Product pages.

    References

    American Foundation for the Blind. (n.d.). Assistive Technology Products. The American Foundation for the Blind. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.afb.org/blindness-and-low-vision/using-technology/assistive-technology-products

    American Foundation for the Blind. (n.d.). Audible and Tactile Signs and Warning Surfaces. The American Foundation for the Blind. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.afb.org/blindness-and-low-vision/using-technology/assistive-technology-products/signs-and-warning-surfaces

    American Foundation for the Blind. (n.d.). Games and Activities. The American Foundation for the Blind. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.afb.org/node/16207/games-and-activities

    American Foundation for the Blind. (n.d.). Lighting. The American Foundation for the Blind. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.afb.org/assistive-technology-products/lighting

    American Foundation for the Blind. (n.d.). Refreshable Braille Displays. The American Foundation for the Blind. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.afb.org/node/16207/refreshable-braille-displays

    American Foundation for the Blind. (n.d.). Screen Magnification Systems. The American Foundation for the Blind. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.afb.org/node/16207/screen-magnification-systems

    American Foundation for the Blind. (n.d.). Screen Readers. The American Foundation for the Blind. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.afb.org/blindness-and-low-vision/using-technology/assistive-technology-products/screen-readers