Adaptive/ Assistive Technology for Visual Impairments
1. Petite Electronic Talking Typewriter
Summary: The Electronic Talking Typewriter was designed to promote speech for children with visual impairments. The machine sends signals to the voice-synthesizer chip as each letter has been selected. The ROM memory contains a 160-word vocabulary in the form of 128,000 bits of encoded speech data. The voice-synthesizer then sends the group of bits to a converter which reproduces the sound of the letter or number that was typed on the typewriter.
The synthesizer also contains a clock that times the speech; delays are inserted between letters and words to space them out and make the phrases sound more lifelike.
This typewriter provides children with visual impairments with opportunities to type and manipulate text that they can hear instead of read. The typewriter is an interactive too; that offers a cause and response effect for children with visual impairments (the child types a letter or number and the typewriter repeats the letter, number, or word typed).
Rate: Medium Technology
Cost: $79.95- $129.95 (Depending on where you purchase the typewriter from.)
Availability: Can be found at some Toys R Us locations, F.A.O. Schwartz in New York City, or Wesco International Incorporated in Missouri.
Training: No training required; only need general knowledge of typewriters.
Resources: http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities/VI.html
http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_InstrumentsLPCSpeechChips
2. Talking Table Clock for the Blind
Summary: This top-quality talking clock is well-suited for children with visual impairments because it is easy to operate model that does all you need. The buttons are labeled in Braille (for the Blind) and in large English print (for anyone with low-vision). The clock also has an Hourly Time Report feature. Print and Braille instructions are included with the clock for older children who can follow the...