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Technology has produced outstanding products to enhance the lives of the visually impaired. These items aid their everyday lives and bring them into the mainstream of life that many of us take for granted.
In my professional life I am in constant contact with those who are visually impaired or totally blind. I am in awe of the technology that they use.
Here is a look at some of the technology they use and these same products that can be used by anyone who is visually impaired. As we look at these products you will find how remarkable they are but also note the high price of this technology!
Portable Braille Display:
This is an extension to a Windows operating environment. It uses Whiz Wheels for rapid navigation and dual purpose cursor. The users can obtain the information that they need to acquire quickly.
Average Price: $ 2000.00
Small-Talk Ultra:
This is a computer that fits in the palm of your hand. It is a fully featured Vista Windows computer, that can be use to take notes, use high powered applications at work; perform email, and much more.
Average Price: $ 2595.00
JAWS:
JAWS is a powerful screen reader that works with the computer to access software applications and the Internet. The software speech synthesizer and the computers sound card provide for the information on the screen to be read aloud. JAWS also outputs refreshable Braille displays.
Average Price: $ 895.00
Dragon Naturally Speaking:
This software combined with a microphone, the words appear on the screen of your computer. This software s integrated with WordPerfect and Word.
Average Price: $ 200.00
CCTV's:
CCTV's come in many different types and styles. Most widely used is the desktop style which magnifies 5.5X to 50X, onto a monitor.
Average Prices: $ 2750.00
Primer:
For those that can not afford the traditional CCTV there is this alternative. The Primer is a little camera that you roll over the area. It will focus the text onto your own television monitor. Maximizing from 8X to 15X.
Average Price: $ 295.00
Street Talk:
Street Talk is great for traveling around or just taking a walk. It is paired with a GPS receiver and PAC Mate. This is a wonderful navigational tool that will announce in speech or Braille.
Average Price: $ 600.00
SARA- Scanning and Reading Appliance:
SARA is for those with low vision that is for use in reading printed material by the use of a scanner. You place your item on the scanner and SARA reads it back to you. There is also the option of Braille display or large print.
Average Price: $ 2800.00
Knfb Reader Camera for Mobile Phones:
This is the latest in cutting edge technology. You hold the camera over the print, such as in a restaurant when reading a menu, and then you just snap a picture of it. In just a few seconds it will tell you the contents of the text in speech. This technology outdoes itself as it also stores thousand of pages and has the capability to transfer them to your computer or Braille notetakers.
Average Price: $ 1595.00
The advancements in technology are progressing everyday for the betterment of all of those with visual impairments. However the costs are sometimes out of reach, and in most cases are definitely out of reach for those that need it the most.
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Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-High-Price-of-Technology&id=1552367