Lecture 18 - Non optical and sensory LVA’s Flashcards
Types of non-optical aids
• Communication
• Daily living
• Smart phones/digital technology/apps
• Mobility/traveling
What do non-optical aids do?
- Make best use of residual vision
- Sensory substitution
• Ease use of optical aid
• Increase visibility of task
• Safety modifications
• Assistance for Px with physical infirmities
Daily living aids:
• Self threading needles
• Liquid level indicators
• Talking microwaves/kettles
• Talking watches etc
• Large number telephones, microwaves etc
• ‘Bump ons’ or ‘Hi marks’
• Coloured stickers and buttons
Reading aids:
Reading
• large print books, bank statements & bills, clocks/watches/telephones
• Talking; books, watches, clocks, newspapers
• Typoscopes- for cheques, reading or writing
• Reading stands or copy holders
Writing aids:
Writing
• Felt tip pens - black or dark blue
• Yellow paper
• Lined paper
• Writing frames
Braille:
Braille
• Developed in 1824
• 3x2 pattern of 6 dots
• 63 characters, 26 letters + contractions st, ch etc and punctuation
• 2 levels: grade 1: each word is spelt out, Grade 2:
approved contractions
• ~ 20% of patients who are registered blind can use Braille
• Can be generated by computer-keyboard screen
Disadvantages:
- Thick paper with raised dots → thick & bulky books
- Not good for elderly due to loss of sensitivity in finger tips
Moon:
• Developed in 1847 by Dr W Moon
• Devised with the aim of training patients who previously had sight
• Curves & lines more approximate to letters
• Not used much (<1000 users in the UK)
Smart phones/technology/apps available:
• Screen magnification software
• Apparently for object recognition
• Apps for navigation
Screen magnification software
- BigShot
- ZoomText & ZoomText magnifier/reader
- Magnum 95/Deluxe
- GTX32
- Galileo
Apps for object recognition
- Tap Tap See
- Aipoly Vision App
- Colourdetect
Apps for navigation
- Blind Square
- AroundMe
- Near me
- Nearby Explorer
Mobility aids:
These mainly include:
• Canes & sticks
• Electronic aids (e.g. ultrasound, sonar)
• GPS systems
• Talking signs
• Built environment
• Dogs & sighted guides (people)
Four types of canes:
• Symbol cane
• White walking stick
• Long cane
• Guide cane
Symbol cane
- lightweight, folding cane
- indicates that the user is visually impaired.
White walking cane
- as symbol cane but aids support
Long cane
- most common type of cane
- developed by an ophthalmologist who treated war veterans in America following WWII.
- made of light-weight aluminium, usually about chest height
- extensive training (~ 150 hrs) required to learn the correct technique.
- The cane is held at an angle of ~ 30° and swung in an arc to the left as the right foot goes forward. At the end of travel it touches the ground before swinging the opposite way.
- some models have a roller on the tip.
Guide cane
- shorter and stronger than the long cane
- back up for those with residual vision
Trailing:
• Trailing is a technique that can help locate a door, walk in a straight line, or detect the position of objects in front of the Px on the same side of his body as their extended arm. It can provide useful information about everyday objects, obstacles, and potential hazards that they may encounter as they move about their home.
• It is used in familiar environment only and involves moving close to the wall with the knuckles against the wall (fingers cupped). The other hand can be held in front to detect obstacles.
Electronic aids for mobility:
• Ultra-cane
- Long cane with ultrasonic sensor
• Miniguide/Palmsonar
- Hand held, secondary aid
• Bat ‘K’ Sonar-Cane
- Clip on ultrasonic sensor
• Laser cane
- 3 beams to cover ground, waist & up
• Sonic Pathfinder
- Head mounted, secondary aid
Global positioning systems: (GPS)
• Offer voice description of surrounding area and points of interest. Braille displays for hearing impaired also available
