Assistive Technology Evaluation for People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired Ike Presley American Foundation for the Blind 739 W. Peachtree Street, Suite 250 Atlanta, GA 30308 404-525-2303 ipresley@afb.net www.afb.org

Conducting an Assistive Technology (AT) Evaluation Topics to Cover Conducting an Assistive Technology (AT) Evaluation Preparing for the Evaluation Completing the AT Considerations Checklist Completing the AT Evaluation Checklist Completing the Recommendations Checklist Writing the Final Report Presenting the Evaluation Report Implementing the AT Recommendations Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Conducting an Assistive Technology (AT) Evaluation Preparing for the Evaluation Working with the Team Gathering Background Information Ophthalmologic Exam Clinical Low Vision Evaluation Functional Low Vision Evaluation Learning Media Assessment Psychological Evaluation Academic and Other Evaluations Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Completing the AT Considerations Checklist What tasks is the individual having difficulty completing? What modifications and adaptations have been implemented? Are these working? What assistive technology has been implemented? Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

What is the Assistive Technology Evaluation Form? Guide for service provider wishing to determine technology needs Checklist of items and tasks Looking for three types of information Does individual have sensory skills needed Visual, tactile, auditory Does individual have physical skills needed Does individual have cognitive skills needed Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

What is the Assistive Technology Recommendations Form? Checklist of items to be recommended Tools and strategies for Accessing printed information Accessing electronic/digital information Writing Producing materials in alternate formats Assistive Technology for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired: A Guide to Assessment, AFB Press www.afb.org/atassess Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Preparing for the Assistive Technology Evaluation May require multiple team members to complete Not all items will be applicable Team members will need to Prepare materials in alternate formats Gather access equipment Become familiar with its operation Multiple sessions may be required Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Completing the Technology Evaluation Checklist How will the individual access printed information? Regular print with optical devices Large print Non-optical devices Braille & tactile Auditory Reading rates Will they use a combination of tools? Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Accessing Print Visually Can individual read without modification or optical devices? At what distance Which fonts Is this effective and efficient? Can individual read with eyeglasses or contact lens? Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Enlarged Print Can individual read without modification or an optical device? At what distance What % of enlargement is needed? Is this effective and efficient? Can individual read with eyeglasses or contact lens? Does the reduced clarity cause problems? Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Large Print What point size at what distance? Various sizes for reading One size for writing What’s the preferred font? Info may be available form FVE Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

How will individual access printed information? Optical Devices Has individual received a Clinical Low Vision Evaluation? What was recommended? Need for multiple tools Tools for spot reading Tools for continuous text reading Tools for distance reading tasks Manual tools / electronic tools How well does the individual use the devices? Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Accessing Print Optical Devices Reading Rates Visual fatigue issues Physical fatigue issues Reading Rates Does individual understand which tools are best for various tasks? Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Non-optical Devices What’s the best lighting for various tasks? Natural / artificial School/work environment General environment Functioning at night or in low light environments What other non-optical devices might be useful? Book/reading stands / copy holders Activities of Daily Living Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Accessing Print Tactilely Braille & Tactile Braille reading skills May need other evaluation tools Tactile graphics reading skills Which production method Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Accessing Print Auditorily Any hearing impairments Any auditory processing issues Working with readers Acquiring Using efficiently Audio recordings Scan and read systems Synthesized speech Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Accessing Electronic / Digital Information How will individual access electronic information? Screen Enlarging Hardware Screen Magnification Software Refreshable Braille Display Screen Reading Software What input devices will they use? Will they use a combination of tools? Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Screen Enlarging Hardware Will a larger monitor suffice? Will a fully articulated monitor arm work? Combining with OS accessibility Display setting Accessibility features Combine with freeware/shareware screen magnification software Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Screen Magnification Software Tasks to be completed What features are needed Low cost programs / minimal features Intermediate priced programs Full featured programs Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Accessing Electronic Information Tactiley Refreshable Braille Display Tactile access Requires screen reader software Dedicated device Portable device Electronic notetaker Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Accessing Electronic Information Auditorily Screen Reading Software Low cost freeware/shareware Full featured program Understand sentences, words, characters Understand command and navigational structure Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Interfacing with Computer Input Devices Keyboard Are keyboarding skills adequate Mouse/trackball Visual and physical coordination Touch screen Performing gestures Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Performing Writing Tasks How will individual communicate through writing? Standard Handwriting Tools Adaptive Handwriting Tools Braille Writing Tools Electronic Writing Tools Will they use a combination of tools? Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Recommendations for Assistive Technology Completing the Recommendations Checklist Accessing printed information Accessing electronic information and computer access Communicating through writing Additional hardware and software Training for service providers Tools for producing materials in alternate formats Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Organizing Info for the Final Report Use data from evaluation to make recommendations Group recommendations by tasks Use generic terms / not product names Screen reading software – not JAWS List specific features required Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Writing the Final Report Provide rationale and justification for each recommendation Emphasize efficiency gained from using technology Emphasize multiple tasks accomplished with tools Emphasize possible cost savings Fewer pieces of equipment to purchase Savings in staff time for material production In-house material production vs. purchasing Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

The Final Steps Presenting evaluation report to team Use a 1-2 page synopsis Numbered list of recommendations Include detailed report Provides rationale and justification For each numbered recommendation Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Implementing the AT Recommendations Acquiring the technology Staff training User training Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Assistive Technology Tools It takes a toolbox full of tools to be successful Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.

Ike Presley American Foundation for the Blind 739 W Ike Presley American Foundation for the Blind 739 W. Peachtree Street, Suite 250 Atlanta, GA 30308 404-525-2303 ipresley@afb.net www.afb.org Copyright © 2017 AFB. All rights reserved.