Audio/Reader: Providing materials in a recorded audio format is one method of making information accessible to persons who are blind or visually impaired. Many individuals with learning disabilities also use materials in audio format because they find it difficult to process printed information. Persons with physical disabilities may also use materials in audio format due to their inability to handle heavy text books or manually turn pages. Audio material is commonly recorded on cassette tapes, but it make be stored on CD-ROM, or MP3.
E-Text: E-Text has emerged as a convenient and popular method of providing access for those individuals who cannot use standard printed materials. Partially sighted individuals can use E-Text by taking advantage of built in options using standard software applications (to adjust font size) or through the use of specialized screen magnification software. E-text can also be used with screen reading software to output the text to a speech synthesized or refreshable Braille display. The main advantage of E-text is that it can be easily stored, can be searched and indexed, and can be converted to large print or hard copy Braille through use of a translation program.
Braille: Braille is a system of reading and writing for blind individuals. Braille is produced using desktop software and a Braille embossing machine.
Tactile Graphics: Tactile Graphics are tactile representations of pictures or images, such as maps and diagrams. Tactile graphics are produced using desktop software and a Braille embosser or using heat sensitive paper to be heated in a specialized device.
Large Print: Large print is produced by increasing the font size when typing the original document, producing larger copies using a copy machine or using a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system which permits magnification of the paper being viewed.
