Assistive Information Assistive Information and Communication and Communication Technology for the Technology for the

Visually ImpairedVisually ImpairedSyamiliDept. of Library & Information

Sciencesyamili1990@gmail.com

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

Leads to mental handicapping

Disabled Disabled + + ICTICT = = EnabledEnabled

"for m "for most people, accessibility makes things easier, for people with disabilities, it makes things possible."

Disablement not lead to handicapping, thanks to technology!

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.

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

eBook / Daisy Book Readers

Traditional Braille-based aids

What do mean by accessibility

Accessibility is about removing

barriers to participation

However,

beware of a “one

size fits all” approach

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

NVDA

Assistive Technologies 

Open Source Also Contributes...

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

Inclusive Libraries:A step toward making libraries disabled friendly

We need Accessible Libraries because… Visually Impaired People should have:

Equal access to KnowledgeEqual access to EducationEqual access to Information

ICT Trust Fund Approach

Second Approach

Adapt implemented

projects to serve people with

special needs

First Approach

Develop

special needs pilot projects

using ICT

Should Persons With Visual Impairment Be Treated?

Yes.

With

Respect.

Say No to these media steriotyping...

Handicaps are loaded on stronger horses to level the field for others..

"The only thing worse than

being blind is having sight

but no vision."

Hellen Keller

Areas of Concern