ACCESS

Visually Impaired Services for Students

The Visually Impaired Services division of the ACCESS office at SIUE serves as a key resource to provide comprehensive support for blind and low vision students, facilitating including specialized accommodations, aiding with the procurement and training on assistive technology and success coaching. The overall goal of visually impaired services coordination is to promote equal access as well as academic independence. 

Academic Accommodations

• Classroom Accommodations: Priority seating near the front, and verbal descriptions of visual aids
• Providing accessible materials: i.e. materials in an alternative format, such as Braille, with enlarged print or in a screen reader capable format.
• Extended time: Additional time to complete assignments or tests. Some students may experience eye fatigue and need breaks while others may need extended time to access tactile charts and graphs.
• Access to technology: Depending on the level of vision, additional technology may be necessary to access certain materials. Possible accommodations may include screen readers, text-to-speech applications, Braille materials, or video magnification.
• Copy of lectures: For students unable to visually access a PowerPoint or other lecture visuals, access to Braille or even a digital copy that students can enlarge on their own device during the lecture. Some students may have permission to make audio recorded lectures as well using Glean.
• Live or Screen Readers:  Many students utilize screen readers like JAWS, NVDA and ZoomText to navigate textbooks and online settings. However, if there is not a digital copy that the student can utilize with a screen reader, it is not available in Braille, or if there are complicated diagrams or charts, a live reader can be used in place of, or in conjunction with assistive technology.

ACCESS does not provide

• Personal assistance or attendant care for eating, walking, or using the bathroom
• Orientation and mobility training for visually impaired or blind students
• Transportation to and from school
• Guide dogs
• Glasses

However, through campus resources and the Visually Impaired Services Coordinator, ACCESS can connect you with state services and support for mobility training through organizations like the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), information about campus transportation such as Madison County Transit and Paratransit services, and student volunteer peer programs like Campus Companions to assist with campus navigation and other supports. 

Instructional Design

Creating an Inclusive Classroom for Visually Impaired Students

A truly inclusive classroom for students with visual impairments is one where individuals can function alongside and independent of their peers. In addition to skills like developing a more vocal approach to teaching, there are other helpful tips instructors can implement in their classroom with thoughtful planning, flexibility and collaboration, to ensure equal access and effective communication is present. 

Mobile Apps for Students With Visual Impairments

• Dragon Speech Recognition: This free speech-to-text app allows users to quickly create text documents through oral dictation.
• KNFB Reader: KNFB Reader converts typed text into speech, which can provide the user with quick access to printed text.
• Talking Scientific Calculator: This calculator app works with VoiceOver, a screen reader available with iOS devices, to provide an accessible digital calculator.
• Seeing AI: Seeing AI uses the camera to provide audible descriptions of text and objects, including documents, product labels, handwriting, and even colors.
• AccessNote: AccessNote is an accessible note-taking app that is compatible with VoiceOver and can be used with a traditional keyboard or a refreshable Braille display.
• BlindSquare:BlindSquare is a GPS app for travelers with visual impairments that was designed to be accessible with screen readers.
• Be My Eyes: Students with visual impairments can use Be My Eyes to receive virtual assistance from volunteers who can describe the scene around the user or answer user questions.
• NaviLens: NaviLens is being adopted on campus as a high-density, smart-marker system to aid students who are blind or have low vision with independent, audio-guided, indoor/outdoor, and long distance navigation via smartphone app.