Senjam, S. S., Foster, A., & Bascaran, C. (2022). Assistive technology for visual impairment and trainers at schools for the blind in Delhi . Assistive Technology , 34 (4), 418–422. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2020.1839144

Journal Article
Senjam, S. S., Foster, A., & Bascaran, C. (2022). Assistive technology for visual impairment and trainers at schools for the blind in Delhi. Assistive Technology, 34(4), 418–422. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2020.1839144

Tags

Assistive technology (for communication); Braille; Educator survey; Elementary; High school; International (non-U.S.); K-12; Lighting; Line reading device or software; Magnification device or software; Middle school; Multiple content; No disability; Tactile graphics; Visual impairment (including blindness); Word processing (for writing)

URL

https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/uaty20

Summary

Accommodation

The availability of assistive technology (AT) for visual impairment and trainers was examined.

Participants

Twenty-two schools for blind students in Delhi, India participated. These schools are run by non-government organizations affiliated with the government education system. Students attending these schools have a certificate of more than 40% visual disability.

Dependent Variable

The headteacher at each school completed a questionnaire about the availability of 52 ATs for students with visual impairments. ATs were categorized based on school activities (reading, writing, math, science, games and sports, mobility, and activities of daily living) and vision-based ATs versus sound-based ATs.

Findings

Braille slate with stylus and abacus (over 90% of schools), Taylor frame, long cane, and talking watch (80-90% of schools) were the most frequently available AT devices. Of the 52 ATs, only 11 were available in 60% or more of the schools. Tactile-based ATs were more available than were vision-based ATs. The following trainers were available across subjects: 63 trainers for reading and writing (80% of ideal capacity), 18 for sciences (59%), 25 for math (70%), and 11 for mobility (50%).