Assistive Technology

The Assistive Technology program empowers individuals to build essential digital and technological skills, including using the internet, email, word processing, spreadsheets, telecommunications tools, and notetaking devices. With recent program expansions—featuring stateoftheart equipment and a wireless network supporting laptops and notetakers—VCB now offers a robust range of training opportunities for both vocational and personal growth.

All evaluation and instruction are delivered oneonone, ensuring that each participant’s communication style, employment goals, and living situation are fully considered. Adaptive hardware and software, such as refreshable braille displays, screen magnification tools, and screenreading programs, provide meaningful access to computers and digital information.

Participants also benefit from tools like scanners and screen readers to access printed materials. For example, one individual mastered a braille translation program to scan, convert, and emboss work documents into braille, while another used a GPS device with audio output to independently navigate to and from school.

Training and evaluations may be offered on a shortterm basis, and VCB provides professional seminars and technologyfocused consultations as well. As an active partner in research and development with multiple companies, VCB remains at the forefront of emerging tools that meet the evolving needs of people who are blind or visually impaired. Assistive technology continues to be a vital and rapidly growing component of our services, expanding possibilities for independence every day.