Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology is equipment designed to assist blind or vision-impaired people to function independently in their homes.

Assitive Technology can take many forms. It can be software or hardware-based, utilise mainstream computer technology or be completely stand-alone. The technology generally works on the basis of providing access via:

Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTV's) or Video Magnifiers
Simple magnification devices which assist in reading by enlarging items up to 40 times on a monitor.

Computers with Screen Reading and/or Screen Magnification software
To enable people to write, edit, manage finances and access the Internet.

Scanners
With special software that will read printed material out loud, such as schoolwork, magazines and books.

Braille Displays and Portable Notetaking Devices
To allow access to information when and how it is needed.

Braille overlay and large print keyboards to help vision-impaired users quickly locate keys.

Other devices designed to meet the literacy and information access needs of blind and vision-impaired people, such as Talking Scientific Calculators, Talking Diary/Address Books, and Talking Dictionaries.

Overview of Services

At our Hobart and Launceston offices, we have a limited capacity to provide demonstrations and training in relation to some of the wide variety of magnification, speech and Braille products that can enhance your computer abilities and independence at home, work and school environments.

RGDT encourages people to research the latest technology, which can easily be integrated into the home or workplace.

Training and Seminars

RGDT has a limited capacity to provide hands-on training in low end AT. RGDT Instructors can refer to specialist support services for one-on-one or group development.

Sales and Service

A range of products are available for sale through the RGDT offices including:

• Screen magnifiers
• Scanners
• Screen readers
• Braille displays and Braille embossers
• Portable notetakers
• Closed-circuit televisions (CCTV’s)

RGDT can offer limited assistance with installation and can provide referral for customisation of AT products.

Assessments & Evaluations

RGDT can provide limited assessment regarding the technology that will work best for you by identifying your needs, assessing your skills and determining your goals.

We are then able to provide suitable referrals for equipment that can assist in identifying difficulties experienced in reading and writing encountered in personal independence needs, school or work productivity and leisure activities, including:

• Reading books or the newspaper;
• Reading financial statements;
• Writing letters

We can sometimes facilitate trials with appropriate technologies to compensate for these challenges.

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