1. Assistive Technology for Writing for the Visually Impaired
Joanna Owen
Audra Maharaj
Pearl Rajkumar
The University of Trinidad and Tobago

3. Technology Can Make A Difference
For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier; for people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.
(IBM, 1991)
This is true for writing too!

4. What is Assitive Technology
Assistive Technology is any “product, equipment or device, acquired commercially, modified or customised, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the capabilities of individuals with disabilities..”
(IDEA 2004)

5. Assistive Technology (AT)
ATs are often highly individualized
ATs emphasize the need for the students to change or improve to succeed with the curriculum
ATs often require planning, implementation, and continual adjustments by a specialist
ATs help students overcome barriers on a student-by-student basis

6. Assistive Technology and Writing for the Visually Impaired
Basic literacy skills must be taught first.
The elements of the writing process – prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing remains the same for all persons.

7. Assistive Technology
Writing for the Visually Impaired starts with the use of the Low Technology devices and graduates to the use of the High Technology devices.

8. Low Technology Devices
Raised Lines on Paper
Signature Cards
Handheld Magnifiers
Swing Cell
Enlarged Print

9. Medium Technology Devices
Brailler
Clearvue Optelec
Jaws Software

10. High Technology Devices
Pearl Scanner
Braille Embosser
Mobile Devices

11. National Policy on Persons with Disability
Xii – Technical Aids and Equipment
Incentives to local companies which import or manufacture devices
The provisions of tax concessions to persons with disabilities on the purchase and maintenance of assistive devices.

12. Bonus uacoe.arizona.edu/viliteracy/Braille_Lessons/perky_duck.htm
How to Download and Use Perky Duck. Perky Duck is a freeware program that allows your computer keyboard to emulate a braille writer.
Ninety tuition-free courses

13. The End