Assistive technology has made it feasible for individuals with a wide range of impairments to engage in many activities, such as education and employment, in ways not previously possible. The key factor is to create consumer-driven technologies that solve the problems by addressing the needs of persons with visual impairments. Assistive Technology for Blindness and Low Vision explores a broad range of technologies that are improving the lives of these individuals. Presenting the current state of the art, this book emphasizes what can be learned from past successful products, as well as what exciting new solutions the future holds.

Written by world-class leaders in their field, the chapters cover the physiological bases of vision loss and the fundamentals of orientation, mobility, and information access for blind and low vision individuals. They discuss technology for multiple applications (mobility, wayfinding, information access, education, work, entertainment), including both established technology and cutting-edge research. The book also examines computer and digital media access and the scientific basis for the theory and practice of sensory substitution.

This volume provides a holistic view of the elements to consider when designing assistive technology for persons with visual impairment, keeping in mind the need for a user-driven approach to successfully design products that are easy to use, well priced, and fill a specific need. Written for a broad audience, this book provides a comprehensive overview and in-depth descriptions of current technology for designers, engineers, practitioners, rehabilitation professionals, and all readers interested in the challenges and promises of creating successful assistive technology.

Contents

Introduction

Roberto Manduchi and Sri Kurniawan

Vision and Vision Rehabilitation

August Colenbrander

Orientation and Mobility

William H. Jacobson

Low Vision: Types of Vision Loss and Common Effects on ActiviDaily Life

Duane Geruschat and Gislin Dagnelie

Accessible Global Positioning Systems

Mike May and Kim Casey

Development, Evaluation, and Lessons Learned: A Case Study of Talking Signs® Remote Infrared Audible Signage

Bill Crandall and James Marston

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Assistive Travel and Wayfinding Devices for Persons Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

James Robert Marston and Billie Louise (Beezy) Bentzen

Sensory Substitution of Vision: Importance of Perceptual and Cognitive Processing

Jack M. Loomis, Roberta L. Klatzky, and Nicholas A. Giudice

Tactile Reading: Tactile Understanding

Yvonne Eriksson

Camera-Based Access to Visual Information

J. Coughlan and Roberto Manduchi

Screenreaders, Magnifiers, and Other Ways of Using Computers

Alasdair King

Tools for Improving Web Accessibility for Blind Persons

Sri Kurniawan

Accessible DAISY Multimedia: Making Reading Easier for All