Link: Device
Scientists at the University of Michigan have developed a vision-testing device that can help doctors detect early-stage diabetes and changes in the eye that occur a decade before macular degeneration diagnosis. The device -- a camera connected to computer software -- can monitor the activity of a protein linked to irregular cell changes related to diabetes and eye disorders.
Link: Braille
Less than 50% of the students that are classified as having visual impairments can read Braille. But after a decade on the decline as students with some vision were pressed to instead use large-print books, the format is being revived through technology advancements, including portable devices that allow students to type and read Braille as well as software capable of producing Braille materials.
Link: Museum
After a 2004 complaint that the six-year-old International Spy Museum discriminated against people with visual impairments, the for-profit organization announced it had reached an agreement with the Justice Department. The museum will close-caption video presentations, offer special tours with visual descriptions of exhibits, hire sign-language docents and improve wheelchair access.
Link: Braille
In a Connecticut program believed to be the only one of its kind in the state, students without visual impairments learn the raised-dot alphabet and the challenges faced by their classmates with visual disabilities. "Getting to know the blind students gave me a newfound respect for them," said sighted student Courtney Parente, 17, who now plans to become a Braille teacher. "By seeing how independent they are, it changed my whole perspective towards people with disabilities."
Link: Vision
Local doctors say that if your child is underperforming in the classroom or on the playing field, he or she may be suffering from a problem that literally plays visual tricks on eyes. You've likely heard of dyslexia, but that's not the only vision issue your child may face. The issue begins with two seemingly interchangeable words: vision and sight.
Link: Chicago Lighthouse
CHICAGO – In an ongoing effort to accommodate people across the country who are visually impaired and in need of technical support, The Chicago Lighthouse hopes to expand its toll-free telephone assistive technology support line.
Since it was developed in 2006, the service has accommodated over 1,500 requests for assistance from individuals in 48 states, Canada , China and South Africa
Link: Perkins School for the Blind
n the computer room of Perkins’ Deafblind Program, Wendy Buckley creates individualized lesson plans for students with varying ability levels from preschool through high school age.
Many of the deafblind students Buckley sees do have some level of vision. For some students, Buckley uses clip art to make pictures of family members, friends, and familiar locations. The students learn how to touch symbols on the screen or a specialized keyboard to arrange people and objects.
Link: Tucson Citizen
If an Arizona state lawmaker has his way, disabled students will have easier access to large-print, audio, and Braille textbooks. HB 2441, sponsored by Andrew Tobin, R-Paulden, would require the State Board of Education to designate a list of alternative media producers to these specialized textbooks. Many believe that these resources would give disabled students (particularly students with dyslexia) access to a wider variety of education materials.
Link: The Enquirer
Vernecia Washington has had severe visual impairments since birth, but the 54-year-old soon plans to franchise her successful beauty salon. "If you focus on a disability, then you become a disability," she said. "But if you focus on possibilities, then you can do anything that you can imagine."
Link: TMC Net
AT&T (News - Alert) announced that it is going to adopt the Universal Design and also encourage application developers and handset manufacturers to design products and offer services which will cater to the needs of customers who have disabilities and face situations where the device cannot be used, even while functioning properly.
