Magnify your Assistive Technology for Low Vision

Low vision (LV) has impacts on every aspect of life. From reading and writing to navigating, an individual with LV is affected, but that doesn’t mean they have no control. With all of the technology available today, the possibilities and opportunities are wide open. Alternatively, as the quote says, “The sky’s the limit.”

Low Tech to High Tech – Take Control and Soar

First, let’s define low and high tech assistive technology. Low tech devices are items that are typically inexpensive, easy to find, and easy to make. High tech devices are more complex, harder to obtain, and more expensive. Assistive technology is on a continuum, so not all devices fall into low or high, which is why the newer term of mid tech now exists.

The great thing about low tech is that you can often walk into your local store and find what you need. Have you noticed all the large print items now available? Large display alarm clocks, large button remotes, large print greeting cards or books are now readily available. Need a handheld magnifier, go to your corner pharmacy.

With all of the smart technology available today, we now have LV solutions at our fingertips. Apple’s accessibility features, for example, have a built-in text reader called, ‘Voice Over,’ that also has a Braille keyboard. You can use a zoom feature, enlarge the font, change the screen colors to high contrast for easier viewing, and Speak Screen by Siri, to have documents, books, websites and more read aloud.

Portability and wearable technologies are springing up all over the technology world as well. From pocket-sized video magnifiers to read signs quickly, or read labels and documents on-the-go, to haptic feedback navigation tools, interacting with the world around us has become easier and much more accessible.

Start your exploration with us and visit our Low Vision technology product page.