Assistive Information And Communication Technologies Using ICT for Visually Impaired

1. Assistive Information and
Communication Technology
for the Visually Impaired
Syamili
Dept. of Library & Information
Science
syamili1990@gmail.com

2. Challenges of Visual Impairment
• 83% of all sensory inputs is visual
Blindness impedes information gathering
& processing, acquisition &application of knowledge
and skills and unaided mobility
• Media stereo-typing
• Social stigma & discrimination
• Public resources become inaccessible

3. Disablement not lead to handicapping, thanks to
technology!
"for most people, accessibility makes
"for m
things easier, for people with disabilities, it
makes things possible."
Disabled + ICT = Enabled

4. What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) includes a range
of technologies, which enable people to build
on their abilities and participate as fully as
possible at home, school, work and in their
community.

5. Assistive Technologies Used By the Visually
Challenged
Screen Reader software for computers
Screen Magnifier software for computers
Screen Reader / Magnifier Software for cell phones
Scan & Read software
Dictation software
GPS Navigators
Digital Voice Recorders

6. What do mean by accessibility
Accessibility is about removing
barriers to participation
However,
beware of a “one
size fits all” approach

7. Welcome Trends in Accessibility
Government has mandated that accessibility to public resources
should be ensured
Websites & software packages to conform to W3C guidelines
Government buildings, Public transport etc to be disabled-friendly
Increased advocacy for ensuring barrier-free environment and
equal access..
Right To Read campaign by Inclusive Planet for amendments to the out-dated
copyright laws
Campaigns by various NGOs for making airports, railway stations etc accessible
Adoption of Universal Design philosophy while creating new
products and services

8. Assistive Technologies
NVDA

9. Open Source Also Contributes...

10. Welcome Trends in Accessibility
Government has mandated that accessibility to public resources should
be ensured
Websites & software packages to conform to W3C guidelines
Government buildings, Public transport etc to be disabled-friendly
Increased advocacy for ensuring barrier-free environment and equal
access..
Right To Read campaign by Inclusive Planet for amendments to the out-dated
copyright laws
Campaigns by various NGOs for making airports, railway stations etc accessible
Adoption of Universal Design philosophy while creating new
products and services

11. Inclusive Libraries:A step toward making
libraries disabled friendly
We need Accessible Libraries because…
Visually Impaired People should have:
Equal access to Knowledge
Equal access to Education
Equal access to Information

12. ICT Trust Fund Approach
First Approach
Develop
special needs pilot projects
using ICT
Second Approach
Adapt
implemented
projects to serve
people with
special needs

13. Should Persons With Visual Impairment Be Treated ?
Yes.
With
Respect.

14. Say No to these media steriotyping...
Handicaps are
loaded on stronger
horses to level the
field for others..

15. "The only thing worse than
being blind is having sight
but no vision."
Hellen Keller

16. Areas of Concern