Breakthrough in adaptive reading technology opens new doors for millions with impaired vision :
http://www.closingthegap.com/lib/pdf/2005/Dec-Jan05/Spotlights/myReader.pdf
The main purpose of the article I chose was to advertise an assistive technology device for low vision. Specifically, the article introduces an auto-reading device called a myReader that is portable and allows the user to choose the size, color, & orientation of the words that are being magnified. Within the article is a link to the manufacturer's website (www.myreader.com) which goes into even more detail about the advantages of this device. The myReader includes a small magnifying device that scans the words that the user wants to read (newspaper, books, labels, etc.) & then stores the written information. The words are then either immediately or later transferred to a monitor where the user can choose the format for reading the material, including the speed at which the words will scroll across the screen.
I chose this specific article because the population at which it is targeted is older individuals with low vision. In fact, a direct quote from the article states, "the leading cause of vision loss for people over 50 is age-related macular degeneration", so it seems that accomodation for this visual condition is directly addressed by the author. Additionally, the main task that this device addresses for these individuals is reading, whether for pleasure or for activities of daily living. During the COPM interview, Richard identified that he has difficulty reading and would like to return to this hobby. Because this article addresses the myReader's ability to magnify written material for older individuals with low vision, it may be beneficial for Richard to use this device on a trial basis.
As a side note, I enjoyed watching the simulated interview with Richard & Crystal. It was very informative and gave a great example of how to use the COPM for AT consideration. I didn't, however, enjoy it's computerized quality (no offense Dr. T because I know you worked hard on it). I think that the monotonous tone & the jerky movements exhibited by Richard were more distracting than anything and I found myself watching the movements instead of paying attention to the interview. Maybe it's because it was my first experience with this type of simulation though, so I'll try harder next time to tune these things out.
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4 comments:
Kelley, I actually almost chose the same article! The myReader is such a neat tool and I agree that it may be very helpful for Richard. I think that anything that might help him get back to reading would be fantais worth a try because reading is so important to him! My only concern would be the cost - it seems like it would be pricey, then again a lot of this type of AT is.
Ooops that was supposed to say fantastic not fantais....sorry :)
Kelley-
This seems like a really interesting AT device! I really like that the device was small and that it would be able to store the words for him to read later. For example, he could scan the newspaper and not have to sit and read it all at once. He would be able to come back to it.
Great article and really interesting device!
Julie
I actually chose the same article, though I felt like Richard wouldn't utilize the myReader since it is not portable. It said that it is "transportable" though (whatever that means). I do, however, believe that this product can benifit others with low vision issues and improve their quality of life dramatically. The cost is another issue which concerned me however, since the device is approximatly $5000.00. Did you run into the problem of finding limited information on this topic as I did? Just curious.
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