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If you have low vision or blindness, Assistive Technology can support you to access information. Low vision aids can help by magnifying printed material, like newspapers, magazines or mail, labels in shops, or medications and ingredients in food products. Other non-visual aids can help by scanning and reading printed material aloud, rather than using magnification.
Handheld electronic magnifier
The handheld electronic magnifier is a plastic rectangular device with a smooth screen in the centre.
People who have low vision use this device to access print visually. This device is capable of adjusting the magnification and contrast of the printed material so it can be viewed clearer by the individual. Some activities this device is suitable for include looking at photographs, reading magazines, letters and mail independently.
Interaction: Try placing this handheld electronic magnifier over the document and using the + and – buttons to change the magnification. Also, try pressing the button in the centre to change the contrast of the document. See if you can notice the print size and contrast of the document changing.
Optical aid (non-electronic)
If you have low vision, you can use an optical magnifier to access print visually.
This device can increase the magnification of printed things to one level of magnification and has a light source to assist with increasing the contrast. Some activities this device is suitable for include looking at photographs, reading letters, mail and price labels at the store.
Desktop CCTV with OCR
Use this device to access print both visually and through auditory cues
Description: The desktop CCTV with OCR is a large tabletop machine with a flat tray underneath a tall camera arm.
If you have low vision, you can use this device to access print both visually and through auditory cues.
This device has two different features. The magnification feature which allows the magnification and contrast of the printed material to be adjusted so it can be viewed clearer. Also, the OCR feature which converts printed text to speech to be listened to by the reader. Some activities this device is suitable for include reading mail, letters, recipes, food packages and newspapers.
Read Easy Evolve
OCR Scanners scan printed text, like letters, books or magazines, to read them aloud.
Description: The Read Easy Evolve is a machine called an OCR Scanner which has an upright cubic shape with a tall, angled arm that extends out the top. It uses a camera to scan a piece of paper and read the text aloud. If you are blind or have low vision, you can use OCR Scanners to scan printed text, like letters, books or magazines, to read them.
Interaction: This Read Easy Evolve has a piece of paper already underneath the scanning arm. You can scan it yourself by pressing the large green rectangular button on the top of the scanner.
Get in touch
Looking for further details? Get in touch today.
To find further information about Assistive Technology—including more about your equipment options and how they may support your life—you can:
We welcome referrals and enquiries from individuals, families, health professionals and community organisations.
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