Non Optical Devices
There are many ways in which poorly sighted people
may gain extra independence in their every day lives. Eccentric
viewing and Lighting play important roles in enabling the individual
to achieve particular tasks. However there are two groups of devices
that are specifically tailored to the needs of the visually impaired.
Optical Devices provide assistance through the use
of some form of optical lens system either a single lens system,
e.g. a magnifier, or alternatively multiple lens system, e.g. telescopes
or monoculars. The other principal categories of devices that are
available are the non-optical devices.
Non-optical devices are aids that have usually been
developed for use by the visually impaired to accomplish a specific
task, without the use of any form of optical image enhancement.
Probably the most easily recognised aid would be the awareness cane,
or white stick as it used to be known.
This device is designed primarily to make well-sighted
people aware that a visually impaired person may have some difficulty
with some tasks, such as crossing a road, and to make allowances.
Another similar device is the partially sighted badge that again
allows a person to declare their lower visual function. However
some care should be exercised with this type of device since it
has not been unknown for unscrupulous individuals to target poorly
sighted people for criminal ends.
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