Solutions:
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Accessible Telephones
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Apps for Individuals with Vision Impairment
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Closed Circuit TV (CCTV)
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Computer Braille Display
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External Computer Screen Magnification
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Head-mounted Magnifiers
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High Visibility Floor Tape and Paint
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Job Restructuring
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Large Button Phones
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Large Visual Display for Telephone
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Lighted Reading Glasses
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Low Vision Enhancement Products
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Low Vision Office Supplies
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Magnification (Hand or Stand)
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Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Systems - Scan
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Portable Video/Electronic Magnifiers
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Screen Magnification and Screen Reading Combined
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Screen Magnification Software
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Service Animal
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Sewing Aids for Individuals with Vision Impairment
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Stair Tread/Textured Tape
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Tactile Graphics & Maps
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Talking Alarm Clocks
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Talking Bar Code Scanner/Reader
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Talking Blood Glucose Monitors
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Talking Blood Pressure Monitors
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Talking Cash Register
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Talking Coin Counter/Sorter
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Talking Color Detector
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Talking Copier
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Talking Credit Card Terminal
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Talking Money Identifier
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Talking Scales
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Talking Telephones
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Talking Watches
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Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
Accessible Telephones
Telephones, whether they be landline, VOIP, or mobile, can be made accessible to individuals with low and no vision. The following companies offer technology that includes magnification, screen reading, and other audible access functions.
Vendors and Products
- Clarity D704HS Expandable Handset for D700 Series Amplified Phones
- Clarity XLC3.4+ Amplified Big Button Speakerphone
- Geemarc Amplified Emergency Connect Telephone
- Geemarc Amplipower 60 Plus Amplified Telephone
- Krown ADA Compliance Economy Guest Hotel Kit- 6-Piece
- PowerTel 785 Amplified Corded Phone-Handset-Shaker
- Serene Amplified Cordless Phone w-Answering Machine
- Serene HD 40dB Amplified Talking Cordless Big Button Phone
- Serene HD 55dB Amplified Talking Cordless Big Button Phone with LCD
- Telephone Stickers - Black on White
- Telephone Stickers - White on Black
- Clarity Ensemble Amplified Captioning Telephone
- Clarity Model E814 - Amplified Corded Telephone with Answering Machine
- Geemarc Ampli455
- Geemarc Model AMPLI550
- Geemarc Model BDP400
- Hamilton CapTel 2400i - Large Display, Touch Screen Captioning Telephone
- Hamilton CapTel 840i Real-Time Closed Captioned Telephone
Apps for Individuals with Vision Impairment
Vendors and Products
- KNFB Reader
- Magnifier & Microscope [Cozy]
- Magnifying Glass (Android app)
- Magnifying Glass + Flashlight Android
- Magnifying Glass for Android
- Microsoft Office Lens-PDF Scanner
- NowYouSee Android
- Path Guide
- Reading Glasses - Magnifier - Visual Aid Zoom
- Sunu App
- waveOut
- weZoom - Magnifier and Low Vision Aid
Closed Circuit TV (CCTV)
A CCTV system (sometimes referred to as an electronic or video magnifier) uses a video camera to project a magnified image onto a video monitor, computer monitor, or TV screen. Portable devices are available. Depending on the product, there may be a variety of options for viewing the image on the screen. Examples include: adjusting Zoom up to 60 times the original size; reversing the color contrast; selecting whether to view the image in color or black & white, and/or accessing split-screen technology. For CCTV devices that offer split screen technology, one half of the computer monitor would display the magnified image (e.g., hand-written correspondence) from the CCTV and the other half of the monitor would display whatever program the individual is using on their computer (e.g., desktop, word-processing program, etc.).
Vendors and Products
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
Computer Braille Display
A computer Braille display operates by raising and lowering different combinations of pins electronically to produce in Braille what appears on your computer screen. The display is refreshable meaning that the configuration of Braille changes continuously as the user moves around on the screen. The Braille display sits on the user's desk, often underneath the computer keyboard. Braille displays provide direct access to information on the computer screen and is quiet.
Vendors and Products
External Computer Screen Magnification
An external screen magnifier can either hang/clamp to the outside of the computer monitor or is placed on a stand in front of the screen. The image on the computer may be viewed at 2 to 4 times magnification.
Vendors and Products
- MaxView LCD Monitor Magnifier Fits 15" LCD Monitors
- MaxView LCD Monitor Magnifier Fits 17" LCD Monitors
- MaxView LCD Monitor Magnifier Fits 19" LCD Monitors
- MaxView LCD Monitor Magnifier Fits Widescreen 19" LCD Monitors
- MaxView LCD Monitor Magnifier Fits Widescreen 21.5" & 22" LCD Monitors
- MaxView LCD Monitor Magnifier Fits Widescreen 24" LCD Monitors
- Telescopic CRT Magnifier Fits 14"-15" CRT Monitors
- Telescopic CRT Magnifier Fits 17" CRT Monitors
Head-mounted Magnifiers
Glasses, visors and other devices that allow magnification for reading on the go or while at home.
Vendors and Products
- ESD MagEyes DELUXE
- ESD MagEyes Double HI #5 & #7
- ESD MagEyes Double Lo #2 & #4
- ESD MagEyes Single HI #7
- ESD MagEyes Single Lo #2
- ESD MagEyes Single Lo #4
- HatEyes#2
- HatEyes#4
- HatEyes#5
- HatEyes#7
- MagEyes Double HI
- MagEyes Double Lo
- MagEyes360 Double HI Full Circle Headband
- MagEyesPLUS Double HI
- MagEyesPLUS Double Lo
High Visibility Floor Tape and Paint
Color can provide important safety cues such as serving as an indicator of change in surface or level, a warning for potential hazards such as open doors or cabinets, and serve as a way to color-code files, documents and other paperwork. These high contrast/ high visibility products can be useful to help with a variety of tasks for someone with low vision.
Vendors and Products
- 2 in. x 54 ft. Adhesive Marking Tape
- 1-7/8 in. x 100 ft. x 0.005 in. Red Seam Guard Underlayment Tape Roll
- 15 oz. High Visibility Yellow 2X Distance Inverted Marking Spray Paint (6-Pack)
- 2 in. x 50 yds. Fluorescent Pink Gaffer Industrial Vinyl Cloth Tape
- 2 in. x 50 yds. Fluorescent Yellow Gaffer Industrial Vinyl Cloth Tape (3-Pack)
Job Restructuring
Job restructuring is a form of reasonable accommodation which enables many qualified individuals with disabilities to perform jobs effectively. Job restructuring as a reasonable accommodation may involve reallocating or redistributing the marginal functions of a job. However, an employer is not required to reallocate essential functions of a job as a reasonable accommodation. Essential functions, by definition, are those that a qualified individual must perform, with or without an accommodation.
An employer may exchange marginal functions of a job that cannot be performed by a person with a disability for marginal job functions performed by one or more other employees.
Although an employer is not required to reallocate essential job functions, it may be a reasonable accommodation to modify the essential functions of a job by changing when or how they are done.
Large Button Phones
Telephones with larger than normal dialing buttons for individuals who have a lack of dexterity or low-vision to easily operate their phone.
Vendors and Products
- ClearSounds CSC500 Amplified Large Button Speakerphone w/Photo Frame Buttons - Up to 40dB Amplification, T-Coil Hearing Aid Compatible
- ClearSounds CSC600ER Amplified SOS Alert Phone
- ClearSounds WCSC600 Amplified Big Button Telephone with Caller ID and Speakerphone
- iConnect A1600BT Amplified Cordless Phone with Bluetooth
- Geemarc Amplified Emergency Connect Telephone
- PowerTel 785 Amplified Corded Phone-Handset-Shaker
- Serene Amplified Cordless Phone w-Answering Machine
- Serene HD 40dB Amplified Talking Cordless Big Button Phone
- Serene HD 55dB Amplified Talking Cordless Big Button Phone with LCD
- Telephone Stickers - Black on White
- Telephone Stickers - White on Black
Large Visual Display for Telephone
For low-vision individuals, this solution offers larger displays for telephones to increase ease of reading.
Vendors and Products
Lighted Reading Glasses
Lighted reading glasses provide magnification and illumination.
Vendors and Products
Low Vision Enhancement Products
Vision Enhancement products are portable low vision aids that can be worn with glasses or head-mounted for persons with low vision.These devices may be used for a variety of distance and midrange visual activities such as seeing faces, TV, the blackboard in school, computer screens, packages on shelves, dialing the telephone, and signs while traveling etc. These products will not restore vision to normal.
Vendors and Products
- 8x X-Vision Binocular
- Arena D 8 x 32 B
- Around the Neck Stand Magnifiers
- Aspheric Hand-held Magnifier
- Bar Stand Magnifiers
- easyPOCKET
- Frame for Keplerian Monocular Telescopes
- Hand-held Magnifier / Stand Magnifier Combination
- Hand-held Magnifier with stand
- Makrolux 2.2x
- Makrolux 3.6x (with video demonstration)
- MakroPLUS 1.8x
- MaxDetail - Galiliean Telescope
- MaxDetail Clip
- MaxTV
- MaxTV Clip
- MenasZoom
- Monocular w/stand
- SmartLux Digital Portable Video Magnifier
- Trophy S Zoom Observation Instrument
- Variety of telescopic devices
- VarioMAXI Magnifying Lamp
Low Vision Office Supplies
Vendors and Products
Magnification (Hand or Stand)
Hand magnifiers are hand-held devices that can be placed over an object or text to enlarge or magnify what you see. A stand magnifier may sit on a base or have a clamp with an adjustable or flexible arm the magnifier can then be placed over the object you want to magnify.
Vendors and Products
Dancing Dots
- 8x X-Vision Binocular
- Arena D 8 x 32 B
- Around the Neck Magnifier
- Around the Neck Stand Magnifiers
- Aspheric Hand-held Magnifier
- Bar Stand Magnifiers
- easyPOCKET
- Economy
- Frame for Keplerian Monocular Telescopes
- Hand-held Magnifier / Stand Magnifier Combination
- Hand-held Magnifier with stand
- LED 10x
- MagniLink Vision
- MagniLink Vision Premium
- Makrolux 2.2x
- Makrolux 3.6x (with video demonstration)
- MakroPLUS 1.8x
- MenasZoom
- Mobilent LED
- Monocular w/stand
- Pocket Hand-Held Magnifier 4x, 35 mm
- Powerlux - Cool blue/white light
- Scribolux Illuminated Stand Magnifiers
- Trophy S Zoom Observation Instrument
- Vario Digital FHD
- Vario Digital FHD Advanced
- VarioMAXI Magnifying Lamp
- Achromatic 20X Pocket Eye Loupe with Vinyl Case
- BAUSCH & LOMB Watchmaker's Loupe with 4X Lens, 1" (25.4mm) Diameter
- Coddington Pocket 20X Magnifier with Swing-Away Nickel-Plated Case
- Compact Lighted Handheld 2X Magnifier with Protective Storage Case
- Linen Test Compact Metal Magnifier with 5X Magnification and Fold-Out Lens
- Magnilite ESD-Safe 4-Diopter Big Eye™ Illuminated Magnified with 43" Reach and Clamp Base, Black
- Multi-Purpose LED Eye Loupe with 30X Magnification and 21mm Lens Diameter
- Multi-Purpose LED Eye Loupe with 40X Magnification and 25mm Lens Diameter
- Multi-Purpose LED Pull-Out Magnifier with 2X Primary Lens and 45X Secondary Lens
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Systems - Scan
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology allows people with a vision impairment to scan printed text and receive a synthetic speech output or save it to a computer. Currently, OCR technology cannot convert handwriting to voice output.Optical Character Recognition (OCR) has three factors: scanning, recognition, and reading text. First a camera scans the printed document. Next, OCR software converts the image into recognizable characters/words. Then the user can store the information in electronic form to a computer or the OCR system itself.
Vendors and Products
Portable Video/Electronic Magnifiers
Small, portable video magnification devices to be used to magnify print materials.
Vendors and Products
Screen Magnification and Screen Reading Combined
The following products include screen magnification and screen reading in one software product.
Vendors and Products
Screen Magnification Software
Screen Magnification Software can be installed on a PC to magnify both the text and graphics on the computer screen. Features may include: Magnification from two up to 32 times normal size; reverse color contrast; cursor enhancement; auto tracking; option for screen reading capabilities; and automatic scanning of text documents.
Vendors and Products
Service Animal
Vendors and Products
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc.
Pet Partners
U.S. Department of Justice Disability Rights Section
Sewing Aids for Individuals with Vision Impairment
Accessories and equipment for sewing designed for individuals ith low-vision and other vision impairments.
Vendors and Products
Stair Tread/Textured Tape
Non-slip surfaces that can be attached to stairs to prevent slips and falls in cold weather.
Vendors and Products
Tactile Graphics & Maps
Tactile graphics can be developed by using special thermal paper to enhance images, that when heated, will produce a tactile image, Braille embossing technology, or create your own! These products can produce raised-line maps, graphs, diagrams, and charts.
Vendors and Products
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
See3D
Talking Alarm Clocks
A talking alarm clock provides an audible output for the time of day and alarms. They can be beneficial for individuals with vision impairments, or other sensory or cognitive limitations, to use.
Vendors and Products
Talking Bar Code Scanner/Reader
Commercial bar code readers that can read out products scanned in a synthetic voice to assist low-vision users.
Vendors and Products
Talking Blood Glucose Monitors
Blood glucose monitors with vocal readouts for vision-impaired users.
Vendors and Products
Talking Blood Pressure Monitors
Blood pressure monitors with vocal readouts for vision-impaired individuals.
Vendors and Products
Talking Cash Register
Cash registers for commercial businesses that have synthetic voices for vision impaired individuals.
Talking Coin Counter/Sorter
Automatic coin money sorting machine with a synthetic voice to read off results and other instructions to low-vision users.
Talking Color Detector
Devices that scan an object and inform the user of the color of the object for vision-impaired individuls.
Vendors and Products
American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
Talking Copier
Copier that speaks its commands to users with vision impairments, allowing them to use the machine without total dependance on sight or touch-based technologies and perform necessary tasks with the use of a copier.
Vendors and Products
Talking Credit Card Terminal
A credit card reader device that speaks with a pre-recorded voice with instructions and confirmation for low-vision customers and employees.
Vendors and Products
Talking Money Identifier
Devices that can scan dollar bills and relate their value to vision impaired individuals so they can keep their money in order.
Vendors and Products
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Talking Scales
Weight scales with computer voice readouts for vision-impaired individuals. Available as full-person weight scales or countertop food scales to offer accurate weight readings to people who have difficulty reading the numbers.
Vendors and Products
Talking Telephones
Telephones, whether they be landline, VOIP, or mobile, can be made accessible to individuals with low and no vision. The following companies offer technology that includes magnification, screen reading, and other audible access functions.
Vendors and Products
Talking Watches
Watches with programmable voice alarms and recording capabilities. Useful for setting detailed alarms and instructions to support independant living.
Vendors and Products
Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
Telework, within certain fields, can be an excellent alternative for employees who have conditions that make it difficult for them to leave their home or reliably travel to a place of work. Employers should consider if a job can be made compatible with telework for their employees and communicate their expectations and requirement for the job to be performed out of home. Allowing work from home during worksite or office construction; extremely hot, cold, or inclement weather; or parking renovations could be a reasonable accommodation.