Modeled after Project PAVE (Corn et al., 2003) in Tennessee, Project Magnify is designed to test the idea that students with low vision who use individually prescribed magnification devices for reading will perform as well as or better than students with low vision who use large-print reading materials. Sixteen students with low vision were…

The report describes a project designed to test the feasibility of adapting off-the-shelf educational software to a speech synthesizer compatible with Apple personal computers for visually impaired students. Fifteen visually impaired children were administered pretests and posttests for auditory discrimination, computer literacy, keyboard…

The guide presents a non-technical approach to adapting battery-operated and electrical devices for persons with severe handicapping conditions. The material was developed through Project REACH (Reconstructive Equipment Adaptations for Children with Handicaps). Chapter 1 presents rationales for the use of adapted switches and devices, including…

The operating manual for the Digicassette (or Portable Braille Recorder--PBR), an electronic braille reading and writing machine and an audiotape recorder which is compact and easy to carry around, is presented. Following a preface and an introduction are sections which address the following topics: orientation to parts and functions of the…

Described is a program of research into sensory aids for the deaf, emphasizing research on factors involved in the effective use of sensory aids rather than evaluation of particular devices. Aspects of the program are the development of a programed testing and training unit, the control of fundamental voice frequency using visual feedback, and…

Recent research and development projects on sensory aids for improving speech perception and production of hearing impaired persons were reported at an international Conference on Speech-Processing Aids for the Deaf held at Gallaudet College in 1977. (SBH)

The author discusses ways in which miniatures and schematic drawings can help blind persons deal with information provided by sonicguide. (CL)

The Night Vision Aid (NVA) was evaluated to determine its effectiveness as an orientation and mobility aid for legally blind persons with night blindness. On the average, the NVA did not significantly improve the Ss' mobility at night; the majority of them preferred the Wide Angle Mobility Light. (CL)

Ten stages of developing reading machines for blind people are analyzed: handling of text material; optics; electro-optics; pattern recognition; character recognition; storage; speech synthesizers; browsing and place finding; computer indexing; and other sources of input. Cost considerations of the final product are emphasized. (CL)

The application of microcomputers for handicapped individuals has tremendous potential. Barriers needing research include: access by the handicapped to the available software, aids that are portable, the problem of obsolescence. (SEW)

Use of the Sonicguide, a binaural sensory aid, by a quadraplegic, totally blind 18-year-old student is described. The rationale for training, device adaptations, and the eventual use of the device as a primary mobility aid in areas familiar to the student are explained. (Author/MC)

Initial research is reported on development of a tangible graphics (a display with raised symbols for reading by hand rather than by eye) system and its evaluation by 20 blind adults. Results suggested that tangible graphs are a viable source of spatial information for blind readers. (Author/MC)

Detailed instructions (with diagrams) are provided for adapting a Sears demodulator so that it will function as a decoder. The modification separates audio and video signals, decodes, and the parts cost only about $50. Cautions that the modification should be performed by a qualified technician. (JN)

Suggestions are made for incorporating finger-spelling with sound blending in spelling instruction for handicapped and nonhandicapped children. Teaching materials are described, and five steps in teaching how to spell a three letter word are listed. (CL)

The Canterbury Child's Aid, a binaural sensory aid for research with blind children, is described along with the rationale for its design features. (Author)