AT for Vision
This device uses tactile bumps to allow blind users to read with their fingers.
What is Braille?
This small electronic device worn in or behind the ear amplifies sound for people with hearing loss.
What is a hearing aid?
This communication system uses hand signs to represent words and letters.
What is sign language?
A desktop or portable tool that magnifies and adjusts contrast for reading printed materials.
What is a video magnifier or CCTV?
This device bypasses damaged parts of the ear and sends sound signals directly to the auditory nerve.
What is a cochlear implant?
This setting on smartphones and computers enlarges on-screen content for low vision users.
What is screen magnification?
A smartphone app that uses AI to describe objects, people, and text to users with vision loss.
What is Seeing AI?
This type of device uses vibration or flashing lights to alert someone with hearing loss to a doorbell, phone, or alarm.
What is an alerting device?
This software reads digital content aloud and is used by many people who are blind.
What is a screen reader?
These wearable devices provide audio descriptions of the user’s surroundings and can recognize faces.
What are smart glasses (e.g., OrCam MyEye)?
These real-time tools display spoken words as text for accessibility in meetings or lectures.
What is live captioning?
This app or feature allows Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals to receive real-time text translations of spoken conversations.
What is a speech-to-text app or transcription feature?
This type of technology converts printed text into speech for visually impaired users.
What is OCR (Optical Character Recognition)?
This system uses microphones and speakers to amplify a teacher’s voice directly to a student’s hearing aid or headset.
What is an FM (frequency modulation) system?
This U.S. law requires that students with disabilities, including those with hearing or vision loss, receive free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment and have access to assistive technology if needed.
What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?