There are various forms of visual impairments. There are people who have completely lost their vision and some who have partial vision. Some people often forget that there are people with low vision. Vision loss is often described as lack of vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Individuals with low vision could have lost some of their vision due to some of these reasons:
- Macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Diabetic retinopathy
If you or a loved one were start to lose your vision, do you know the resources available to assist you to see? Outlook Nebraska is here to tell you that you are not alone and a visual impairment should not limit your independence and passions. There are forms of technology that have been created to assist those with limited vision or no vision with their everyday lifestyles.
What is adaptive technology?
Adaptive technology also known as assistive technology, is technology, products, or systems that help those with disabilities to live and work normally in their daily lives. This form of technology can range from special keyboards and screen readers to digital eyewear.
Why is adaptive technology so important for people with vision loss?
Technology is an important part of society, including those with visual impairments. Adaptive technology is helping those with visual impairments continue living their everyday life; continuing school, maintaining employment, and even staying connected with loved ones.
Reading systems
For people with low vision, there is a technology that can help them continue to read and write. There are reading systems, like the Merlin Elite reading system. These reading systems are designed to manipulate contrast, brightness, and color to help those with low vision to read and write. It is perfect for elderly individuals who have low vision and want to continue doing what they love!
The Merlin Elite reading system has an auto-focus video magnifier that enlarges text and images for people with low vision to see more clearly. Reading systems are easy-to-use, so anyone with little to no experience with technology can learn how to operate it easily. They also have buttons to reduce or enlarge the images which make viewing easier. Plus, today’s systems let you or a friend see things in color.
Outlook Nebraska and Accessibility Nebraska donated a Merlin Elite reading system to PathFinder Place, an assisted living community in Fremont, Nebraska. The device that we donated will assist elderly individuals with low vision to continue doing what they love and maintaining independence. Elders who have low vision can continue to enjoy reading books, mail, and any other materials. They can even write a letter to their friends and family!
If you or a loved one would like to experience and try out a reading system, visit Outlook Nebraska. We provide adaptive technology training for low vision aids. This gives you or a loved one with low vision opportunity to read and perform writing tasks like you once did. Schedule your one-on-one training session with us and get back to reading!
