Assistive and Adaptive Technologies: Meaning and Types for Learners with Visual Impairment in India
Meaning of Assistive and Adaptive Technologies
Assistive technology (AT) refers to tools, equipment, software, or systems designed to improve the functional abilities of persons with disabilities. For learners with visual impairment, assistive technology helps them read, write, learn, communicate, and navigate their surroundings more independently.
Adaptive technology is a subset of assistive technology that is specially modified or customized for people with specific disabilities, like blindness or low vision. It includes changes in hardware, software, or methods of interaction.
In simpler terms:
- Assistive technology enables learners to access educational content.
- Adaptive technology modifies the way they interact with that content to suit their needs.
Importance for Learners with Visual Impairment
Learners who are blind or have low vision cannot access traditional print or visual content. Assistive and adaptive technologies:
- Help them read and write using Braille, speech, or magnification.
- Allow participation in mainstream classrooms.
- Improve communication and mobility.
- Build confidence and independence.
Types of Assistive and Adaptive Technologies for Visually Impaired Learners in India
Here is a categorized list of technologies commonly available and used in the Indian context:
1. Reading and Writing Technologies
a) Braille Technology
- Braille Slate and Stylus: For writing Braille manually.
- Perkins Brailler: A typewriter-like device to type in Braille.
- Electronic Braille Notetakers: Portable devices with Braille keyboard and audio feedback.
b) Refreshable Braille Displays
- Devices that convert text from a computer or screen into Braille characters that pop up physically.
- Examples: Focus Braille Display, Braille Me (made in India by Inovision), Orbit Reader.
c) Audio Books and Daisy Players
- DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) players are used to listen to textbooks and reference materials.
- Example: Plextalk DAISY Player, Evo E10.
d) Screen Readers
- Software that reads text aloud from a computer or smartphone screen.
- Popular screen readers:
- JAWS (Job Access With Speech) – Paid, commonly used.
- NVDA (Non-Visual Desktop Access) – Free, open-source.
- TalkBack – Built-in screen reader for Android phones.
- VoiceOver – Built-in screen reader in Apple devices.
2. Magnification Tools (for Low Vision Students)
- Hand-held magnifiers: Simple optical tools to enlarge printed text.
- Electronic video magnifiers: Magnify text on a screen.
- Screen Magnification Software:
- ZoomText – Magnifies and enhances content on screen.
- MAGic – A screen magnifier with speech support.
3. Communication and Academic Tools
- Talking Calculators: Speak out numbers and calculations.
- Braille Embossers: Printers that convert text files into Braille format.
- Tactile Graphics Kit: Used to create raised-line diagrams and maps for subjects like Science and Geography.
- Labeling Devices: Like Braille label makers and audio labeling pens to mark items for easy identification.
4. Mobile-Based Assistive Tools
Many Indian students use smartphones with accessibility apps such as:
- Be My Eyes: Connects visually impaired users with sighted volunteers.
- Seeing AI: A Microsoft app that describes people, text, objects.
- Kibo App: Indian app that reads printed text in multiple Indian languages.
- Envision AI: Recognizes and reads text, objects, faces.
- Bookshare: Offers accessible e-books for students with print disabilities.
5. Navigation and Orientation Tools
- Smart Canes:
- Saarthi Cane – Developed in India, vibrates when obstacles are detected.
- Smartcane – Developed by IIT Delhi and Saksham Trust, uses ultrasonic sensors.
- GPS Navigation Apps:
- Google Maps with TalkBack
- RightHear and BlindSquare – Provide audio cues for navigation.
6. Educational Portals and Tools in India
- Sugamya Pustakalaya: An online accessible library run by Government of India with books in DAISY, Braille, and e-text formats.
- ePathshala and DIKSHA platforms**: Now provide audio versions of NCERT books.
- National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD): Offers training and resources for assistive technology use.
Challenges in Access and Usage
Despite availability, there are several barriers to adoption:
- Cost of devices like JAWS, Braille displays, and embossers.
- Lack of awareness among teachers, students, and parents.
- Limited training for teachers in using and teaching assistive tech.
- Infrastructural constraints in rural schools.
Conclusion
Assistive and adaptive technologies are critical enablers for inclusive education of visually impaired learners in India. They bridge the gap between ability and accessibility and help ensure these students receive equal educational opportunities.
However, for these technologies to have a wider impact, the government, schools, NGOs, and communities must work together to increase access, affordability, and training in their use.