Assistive Technology for Visually Impaired and Hearing Impaired

 

In the present age that we live in, we are encompassed by various technologies which have transformed not only the way we do businesses but how we communicate, transmit and share information as well. It’s the age of the 4th industrial revolution whereby assistive technologies have emerged for the visually impaired and hearing impaired. This has made their lives easier as they can also use the internet to surf the web for information, using tablets, iPhones, iPad and laptops or computers like everyone else in the world. Their lives have been transformed significantly for those who are able to access assistive technology but for some they are still struggling and using the old methods as it is expensive and some countries have just partially accepted it in their countries. The information below discusses in detail assistive technology for the visually impaired and hearing impaired and how it has revolutionized the way they live and their day-to-day routines. 

Assistive technology enables people to live healthy, productive, independent, dignified lives and to participate in education, labour market and civic life.

Manual wheelchairs increase access to education & employment opportunities as it reduces health care costs as there are reduced pressure sores and contractures for the visually impaired and hearing impaired.  It reduces the need for formal health and support services, long term care and the work of care givers. In addition, people who can't access this technology are often excluded, isolated and locked into poverty, thereby increasing the impact of diseases and disability on a person, their family and the society at large.

Assistive technology promotes the health, well-being and socioeconomic benefits through the use of hearing aids by young children leading to improved language skills because children who can't access these earlier face the challenges of having limited opportunities of education and employment presented to them. The use of hearing aids and cochlea implants are designed to hear sounds better and louder enhancing communication and learning skills. In addition, assistive technology aims at working around specific deficits rather than fixing them. It helps people with learning differences to reach their full potential and live satisfying and rewarding lives.

Assistive technology and devices related to vision and hearing have been defined by WHO as devices such as:

•  Prostheses or implants such as cochlear implants or bionic eyes.

•   Mobility aids for example canes, crutches, walkers, rollators, knee scooters, wheel chairs and mobility scooters.

•  Hearing aids for instance analog convert sound waves into electrical signals and then make them louder, usually less expensive and have simple volume controls. Digital hearing aids on the other hand convert sound waves into numerical codes similar to computer aids and then amplify them.

•  Visual aids entail instructional devices which are used in the classroom encouraging learning making it easier and motivating. Materials used include models, charts, film strips, projectors, radio, television and maps.

Moreso, thanks to modern technology, visually impaired persons are able to do a lot of things such as to write documents, browse the internet and send and receive emails. Screen reading software, special talking and Braille devices allow those with no vision to use computers, cellphones, and other electronic devices independently. Cellphones read print documents and describe things making them more clearer for the visually impaired. Moreover, visually impaired use magnification software and devices which allow them to see letters, pictures and other objects without having to struggle or strain their remaining vision. Assistive or adaptive technology is continually evolving and has resulted in the removal of barriers for people with vision loss.

In addition, visually impaired can now do more things that required special software orderliness on iPhones and iPads using special apps such as KNFB reader which takes pictures of print letters and transmits them to the phone which reads it out loud within a matter of seconds. Tablets and iPhones enable the descriptions of colors, shapes, sizes of objects to the visually impaired through the use of TapTapSee app. Be My Eyes connects the visually impaired with a sighted person describing things to them so that they are much clearer to the visually impaired.

Furthermore, assistive technology enhances the visually and hearing impaired to carry out routine tasks at work and at school, it has also enabled them to be more independent at home. They can now read emails, listen to audiobooks, step by step walking to unfamiliar places, record important information and so much more with special standalone devices designed for people with no or low vision. There are also devices such as talking watches, thermometers, scales, blood glucose and blood pressure monitors that help them to live independent and healthy lives. In addition, the above apps such as the TapTapSee are able to be used in the comfort of the homes of visually disables as they are able to see the pictures and indulge in their meaning and story telling at their own pace.

Assistive technologies have been incorporated within the school curriculum in a number of subjects such as math,  social science studies, computers, orientation and mobility, art, music, and physical education. The curriculum enables the use of this technology from a very young age so they can adapt to it as they grow. It gives the visually and hearing impaired the platform for them to grow with it, embrace it and harness it so that they are employable in future. Assistive technology secures the future of the visual ang hearing impaired.

However assistive technology cannot be accessed by every on who is visually and hearing impaired because the ones who need it the most are located within the poor communities of India. They are not able to access the internet, cellphones and computers as they need to be powered by electricity and assistive technology is run through software’s and applications which need to be downloaded and that is costly as well. Moreover, if incorporated properly it could benefit a large part of the population who are visually impaired and hearing impaired. Technology as a whole is meant to boost a person’s life and well being as it is being done by assistive technology.

What should you include? Resume Tips for People with Disabilities

Resumes can be a tough task. A well-crafted resume gives you the opportunity to flex your skills and show off your accomplishments, but given the difficulty that many job seekers have in talking about themselves and showing off their strengths, creating a strong resume can be a challenge. You may be thinking to yourself, how will I stand out from the other applicants? Or, how can I show that I am a good fit for the job?

Some people think that having a disability will prevent them from being hired for jobs. Actually, being disabled might give you an advantage over other jobseekers. If you have a physical, emotional or developmental disability, a resume is the most important tool in finding successful employment. Here are some tips that should help you put together the best resume possible if you have a disability and help you get ready to interview.

As a job seeker with a disability, your resume may be different from the standard resume format most people use. The goal of your resume is to highlight pertinent information powerfully and efficiently. Your disability does not define you, but it should not be ignored. How you address your disability on your resume is up to you, but turning your perceived weaknesses into strengths will impress employers.

There are many ways to structure a resume for candidate with disability.

Make sure that the theme and style of your resume matches the type of position you are applying for. Highlight marketable skills and experience. Each application should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for. Ask yourself “why is this position important?” That will help you determine which relevant skills and experience you want to focus on in your application. Showcase skills and experience in a way that makes what you bring to an organization standout as unique or different – don’t just repeat what is already on your resume.

Often it feels like the hiring manager is reading hundreds of applications, so the key is to make yours stand out. Create a theme for your resume and application that speaks to your skills and experience in a way that is attractive to the position you are applying for. Explain what makes you want this job and explain why you would be great at it – explain how your goals align with the company’s.

     Do:

• Keep your resume only 2 pages long, not more than that.
• Make use of action words such as Delivered, Achieved, Coordinated.
• Tailor your resume to the specific job advertisement
• Add latest contact information. Do not use an unprofessional email address, include an email with your name.
• Make a section of your soft skills (personality) and your hard skills (technical) separately.
• Always check for corrections before sending.

• Highlight your transferable skills- these are exactly what they sound like: the skills that you use in every job like communication, data analysis, teamwork etc.

   Don’t:

• Use false information.
• Make spelling mistakes
• Provide references unless requested by the recruiter
• Make it too long or detailed like a CV

 

Questions you may have-

Should I disclose my disability on my resume?

People with disabilities have a history of excelling in the workplace. Think of the role carefully. Unless it's directly relevant to the position, leave it off of your resume. However, if the job requires you do so or you believe that some form of accommodation would be useful to perform the task, then yes put it on along with a brief explanation as to what accommodations were needed or used.

Does my disability reduce the chances of my selection?

Hiring is about assessing people, and it's all about the impression you make on the interviewer. Everything else is secondary. A strong resume can help you with screening and study after your resume has been reviewed and screened, you are called for an interview. During the interview, your personality, poise and attitude will be crucial. If you have a physical disability, that’s part of who you are as an applicant, so it isn’t something to hide or ignore. Instead, your resume can demonstrate ways in which your particular abilities and skills address the needs of the employer.

What is the difference between a resume and a CV?

Resume is a short and crisp document having important information about you. Can be used by freshers and all other times when the recruiter does not ask for a CV specifically.
Whereas, Curriculum vitae are generally longer than resumes and hold more Information. Typically, they consist of a number of subheadings relating to duty/responsibility, year, institution/organization, location, achievement/qualifications. Each factor is usually explained in three to five lines.‍ An employer may ask for a CV in the case of some academic professions, in fields like medicine and research, for example.

 

We hope this answers all your questions. Students with disabilities having no work experience can also stand out by showcasing their skills and abilities in a good resume. You may also search for sample resume for person with disabilities online and many of them would be available at a click.