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Hardware solutions
Generally when you purchase a computer it comes with a standard mouse and keyboard. However, there are many different options available to you which may be more appropriate. Below are some of these options.
- Large Character Keytops
- Large Monitors
- Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
- Scanners
- Braille Displays
- Dictaphones
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Large Character Keytops
Large Character Keytop Stickers.
Typically the letters on a computer keyboard are small and difficult to see. Large print keytop stickers in several colour combinations are available. However, acquiring reasonable touch-typing skills is highly desirable in all cases of visual impairment save those where a physical impairment prevents this. Touch-typing tutors are available in large print, on tape and as a speaking computer program.
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Large Monitors
Large Monitor (19"-21").
Larger-than-normal screens (VDU displays, monitors) produce a larger-than-normal image. All standard computers are able to work with larger monitors. Dealers or technical support workers will be able to advise you on the range of types and sizes available for your computer.
Specialist manufacturers make screens that are very large - up to 30" diagonal. By using these monitors some users get the image size they need without the need to learn any new or additional computer-use techniques.
Laptop screens on portable computers vary in quality. "TFT" (or "Active Matrix") technology offers the best visibility and contrast, and is available in sizes up to 15" on some models of laptop. However, it is useful to know that the vast majority of laptops can also display to an external monitor as and when required.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
Common CCTV systems.
Closed Circuit TV systems are devices that enlarge pictures, print or hand-written text as required by the user. They may or may not be attached to a computer. Most common are stand-alone models. They comprise a single unit, with a screen above a moveable table on which the item placed to be read.
Portable versions are available, with small hand-held cameras that connect to a television or computer. Those connecting to a computer give the user the option to view the CCTV image, or the computer image, or both in a "split-screen" view.
Other portable devices are available that provide both a distance viewing camera, ideal for looking at the whiteboard and a close up camera suitable for reading and other close up work. These devices are available that will connect to a computer or a monitor.
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Scanners
A Scanner.
A scanner looks a little like a small photocopier on which you place a page of text or opened-up book. The text on the page is converted into text on the screen which can then be magnified or spoken back. There are many specialist scanners that can "read" the printed page and automatically speak back the contents. They do not need to be attached to a computer and do not have a screen. Mainstream scanners, however, are now typically sold with the necessary optical character recognition (OCR) software, at a fraction of the cost, and can easily be used by someone who already has a computer with speech, Braille or enlarged image output.
No scanner can currently read hand-written text reliably.
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Braille Displays
Braille Displays, large and small.
As well as offering speech output, screen reading software can also produce a Braille readout of the text on the screen. What would otherwise be spoken is displayed on an electromechanical strip of typically 20-40 cells situated close to the keyboard. Braille output can be used alone or combined with speech output.
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Dictaphones
An Olympus Digital Dictaphone.
The use of a Dictaphone enables an individual to get notes down as and when required. It can be an essential aid in meetings, education and when taking notes such as telephone numbers.
Some Dictaphones can also be used in conjunction with voice recognition technology. However, at this time, a vision free solution for voice recognition is a considerable step, with very few products appearing on the market over the last few years.