Types of Vision Impairment

Low Vision

Resources & Guides

• Guide to Designing Tactile Illustrations for Children's Books 

Tools & Devices

The items listed here are examples of existing tools and devices, and are not specifically listed because we can attest to their quality. Always do your own research before making an investment.

Brail / Literacy / Communication

• Brail Literacy includes some examples of different devices as well as books and games.

• Cool Tech for Reading and Writing Braille "Today, kids who want to read and write braille have lots of choices of cool gear to use, both low-tech and high-tech. Some devices emboss (print) braille books and other documents. Others use refreshable pins that change so kids can read or write in braille using a computer or smartphone. Some devices are simple and inexpensive and others are very complicated. The devices below are used by people who read braille to do schoolwork, take care of personal business, and do their jobs at work."

• Deafblind Pocket Communicator

Temperature

• Talking Cooking Thermometer

Time

Learning

• Analog Clock Model "Helps teach about time-telling concepts. Has braille and raised large print markings and hands that are easily rotated. The hands are synchronized like those of an actual clock (the Model has no motor)."

Management

• Talking Clocks

• Talking Watches

Software & Apps

Brail / Literacy /Communication

Be aware that brail, just like sign language is generally unique to each country or region. Check to verify your local brain type so that you will provide the right resources to your students.

Devices 

• QWERTY/Brail Keyboards

Learning

• Braille Bug "Designed for elementary students, Braille Bug combines accessibility with a fun and playful environment designed to teach sighted children about braille and to encourage inclusion."

• The Name Game "A fun way to start – type in your name or another word, and find out what it looks like in braille."

Translators

• APH: BrailleBlaster "revolutionary software that lets you turn your text to braille. If you need a textbook right now, this free program will help you transcribe using the NIMAC files. It’s quick, easy, and accurate, ensuring your children are ready for the first day of class."

• Louis "is a database of accessible educational materials from agencies and organizations across the U.S. It is designed to help educators and parents quickly locate the accessible materials students need, while reducing duplication of effort by sharing information from over 75 organizations in one place. The Louis search also allows users to search the NIMAC, Bookshare, and Learning Ally databases."

Geography

• Tactile World Globe "offers more tactile and braille information than provided by previous APH tactile globes. A clear plastic overlay covers a standard 12-inch political globe with a non-skid wood base.

• US Puzzle Map "U.S. States puzzle pieces in bright, contrasting colors. Includes tactile mountains, rivers, and state capitals Lightweight frame with incised state boundaries and state abbreviations in braille, plus latitude/longitude lines. Frame also has finger holes for easy removal of pieces. Measures 32 1/2 x 18 inches."

• World At Your Fingers "features a large tactile reference map showing the major oceans and land masses of the Earth using high-contrast raised surfaces, braille and print labels, and textured lines and areas. It also shows major mountain ranges, rivers, and lines of longitude and latitude."

Math & Geometry

Be aware that different countries use different brail systems for math, sometimes even multiple systems. The USA for example uses both Unified English Braille (UEB) and Nethem Brail.

• APH’s All-in-One Boards "large and small—provide two commonplace working surfaces that can accommodate a variety of learning and recreational activities. These activities can be supported with the use of magnetic-backed and hook-backed pieces borrowed from many other APH products. Don’t hesitate to mix and match products to maximize the potential impact of the All-in-One Boards on student learning!"

Science

Learning Materials/Kits

• Adapted Science Materials Kit "Designed for K-12 students, this Kit includes many items originally devised by educators at the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley, California, and enables students with visual impairments to participate in science lessons and experiments alongside their sighted peers. All items fit in the APH Innovations Tote Bag."

Organizations

North America

USA

• The American Printing House for the Blind "has operated in Louisville, Kentucky as the world’s largest nonprofit organization creating accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and low vision."