Description:

This session will provide an overview of technology for the blind and visually impaired, how it works, and using the WCBVI Loan Library to borrow equipment for a student with a visual impairment.

Presenter:

Amy Snow has been employed at the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in various capacities for 22 years. She is a DPI certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for the Blind (CATIS). She is the first individual in the state of Wisconsin to hold both certifications and one of the first CATIS nationwide. She lives in Janesville with her feline roommates (who really run the place, but Amy pays the bills).

 Learning Objectives:

This session will address the following topics:

• A basic overview of video magnification devices and other assistive technology that can be used to access hard-copy documents, worksheets, and other printed materials
• Use of apps and AI powered technology for the blind and visually impaired such as Meta Glasses, Be My AI, and similar tools.
• An overview of the WCBVI Loan Library and how to utilize this resource to borrow equipment for a student who is blind or visually impaired.
• As time permits, how screen reading technology for computers and mobile devices work (with a short video demonstration)