I had the pleasure of presenting at the 2019 DC/MD annual AER conference. My presentation focused on common issues that TVIs and service providers faced when new VI technology equipment was dropped into their laps by school districts and agencies. We looked at ways to approach the use of iPads, iPhones, refreshable Braille devices, and other tech tools.
As the attendees waited for the presentation to start, they were encouraged to complete a survey. The survey results consisted of the following information:
Survey Results
People in attendance and that took the survey
10 TVIs
1 O&M
1 TVI/O&M
1 Assistive Technology Specialist
1 From an agency
1 Special Ed. Teacher taking TVI classes
1 Vocational Evaluator
Devices for Personal use
iPhone, laptop, ipad
Laptop, cell phone
iPad, iPhone, MAC, P.C., Smart Watch
Work and home laptop, Chromebook
Android Smart phone, computers
Laptop
iPhone, HP Elitebook, Macbook
Laptop, iPad
Phone, low tech (maps, monocular). Tap Tap see, Google Maps, gps, iPad
Refreshable BrailleSense, MattConnect, VisioBook, laptop with JAWS, Apex
Phone camera
iPads, MATT Connect
iPad, note takers, phones, laptops,
Braille Index D embossed, Braille Note Touch, talking TI 84 plus
Familiarity with using iPads in general
(scale from lowest to highest level of proficiency 1-5)
3 people rated themselves a 2
5 people rated themselves a 3
4 people rated themselves a 4
4 people rated themselves a 5
When asked about issues related to using iPads, they reported
Best for elementary students
Not having one
Learning New Accessibility features when they come out.
Access
None
Don’t use them
N/A
Voice over with some apps
New apps for VI students
When asked about their familiarity with using Refreshable Braille devices
(scale from lowest to highest level of proficiency 1-5)
1 person rated himself/herself a 1
6 people rated themselves a 2
8 people rated themselves a 3
1 person rated himself/herself a 5
When asked about issues related to using Refreshable Braille devices they reported the following
Don’t use one
Not trained. Commands for using them and RB devices vs. Note Takers
connecting them to student laptops (HP revolve) to enhance independence
Everything
Updated equipment use
JAWS…internet access for students
When asked about their familiarity with using Accessibility on laptops
(scale from lowest to highest level of proficiency 1-5)
1 person rated himself/herself a 2
12 people rated themselves a 3
3 people rated themselves a 4
When asked about their familiarity with using Laptops for Accessibility
None
JAWS
Learning the accessibility features to teach my students. Voice output
Knowing what’s available
connecting them to braille note touch, getting tech people to our schools to help connect
My students do what they already know with laptops
Remembering hot keys , connecting laptops to overhead presentations
When asked about issues related to getting properly trained to use VI Technology
Time
Not enough instructors
No one in the county that is an expert at using the devices. We try our best to help one another.
Knowing how/ what resources
Can usually get assistance when I use something new
not enough time
Not a lot of training
Helping parents
Need re training
Additional Discussions
The responses created a good dialog which also highlighted other technologies that were being used in different settings. The Attendees shared the following additional information:
O6 Remote – can be used with iOS Device to move through menus and select items instead of gestures (Best Buy $99) Works for student who have trouble remembering all the gestures.
Having completed the survey and our discussion regarding the results of the survey, we moved on to looking at ways to become familiar with technology for individuals with vision impairments. We also looked at resources for learning how to use VI technology as professionals, and how to teach the use of the technology to VI students and clients.
The first step to a solution that I shared with them was the need to assess a student or client’s technology needs. I shared the link to the Path to Technology site that contains various types of assessment resources for VI professionals to use.
How to get to VO settings on iOS: Settings>Accessibility>VoiceOver>Toggle VoiceOver on>Look for VoiceOver Practice (tap once to highlight and double tap to open)
The entire conference was full of great information and resources! It was such a good opportunity to network with other VI professionals, share ideas and resources, as well as catch up with familiar faces!
Feel free to leave additional VI technology solutions and resources in the comments below!
If you have a VI tech question, leave it below and as readers of this blog, we can come together to find solutions!