Assistive Technology for Visually Impaired Students: A Starter Guide
From screen readers to braille displays, assistive technology opens up the world for visually impaired students. This guide covers the essential tools and how to get them funded through your child's IEP.
We are not doctors, therapists, or certified specialists. We are parents who have lived this journey firsthand — the diagnoses, the IEP battles, the late-night research. Everything here comes from real experience. Always work with your child's medical and educational team for decisions specific to your family.
Assistive technology (AT) refers to any device, software, or tool that helps a person with a disability perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. For visually impaired students, AT is not a luxury — it is a fundamental access tool, and schools are required under IDEA to provide it when it is needed for a student to access their education.
Screen readers are software programs that convert text on a screen to synthesized speech or braille output. JAWS (Job Access With Speech) and NVDA are the most widely used on Windows. VoiceOver is built into all Apple devices. These tools allow students to access computers, tablets, and smartphones without vision.
Braille displays are electronic devices that connect to a computer or tablet and display text as refreshable braille — small pins that rise and fall to form braille characters. They allow students to read digital content in braille in real time. Braille displays range from 14 to 80 cells and vary significantly in price.
Magnification software enlarges text and images on a computer screen for students with low vision. ZoomText and MAGic are popular options. Many students use a combination of magnification and screen reading, depending on the task and their level of fatigue.
Braille notetakers — devices like the BrailleNote Touch Plus or Orbit Writer — allow students to take notes in braille and sync them to a computer. They are particularly valuable in classroom settings where typing on a laptop might be disruptive or impractical.
To get AT funded through the IEP, request an Assistive Technology Evaluation. A qualified AT specialist will assess your child's needs and recommend specific tools. The school is then responsible for providing and maintaining those tools. If the school denies the evaluation or the recommended AT, you have the right to dispute that decision.
At home, many AT tools are available for free or low cost. VoiceOver and TalkBack (Android) are built into devices your family may already own. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) provides free materials and technology to eligible students through the Federal Quota program — ask your child's TVI if they are enrolled.
More in Technology
Ready to take the next step?
Browse all our guides or talk to a coach for personalized support.