Transfer of audio-haptic for visually impaired inf..
Transfer of audio-haptic for visually impaired information technology
Sensory impaired (vision or hearing impaired) and mild cognitive impaired people (Aspergers and autistic spectrum, head injuries, etc) often face considerable problems in accessing suitable educational and vocational opportunities. As a result, talking tactile technology (T3) was developed to help such people access the visual and diagrammatic elements commonly used in "many walks of life". T3 hardware is a lap-top sized, touch sensitive device that is connected to a standard computer via a USB connection. The software comes in the form of a CD. To activate the system, a specially prepared tactile diagram is placed on the surface of the device. Depending on the CD programme content, the operator has access to information on any pre-selected category. By applying touch to certain areas of the tactile diagram the audio file can recite up to 10 layers of information. T3 technology was developed under the Leonardo AHVIIT-ACCESS project (UK/06/B/F/PP162-501): October 2006 - September 2008 see www.ahviit.org.There is a distinct difference between the aims and objectives of AHVIIT-ACCESS and TrAHVIIT project. AHVIIT-ACCESS was directed at visually impaired workers or trainees in vocational training. TrAHVIIT went further with new aims: it transferred T3 technology to new European partners, including countries new to the EU; it produced audio-haptic overlays in new subject areas; it developed new informal educational networks and forums for the dissemination of T3 and its products; it made a special case for applying T3 to mild cognitive impaired learners.The consortium included: educational, professional, NGO, training and sectoral organizations that are established specialists in education and in lifelong learning activities The tangible and intangible outcomes included: the lesson content materials produced by the partners for the target groups in national languages; training for the partners to produce talking tactile overlays; the website for dissemination of information; dissemination literature and events; the location of T3 units in selected centres of the partner countries; increased learning and vocational opportunities. The main impact envisaged included: enhanced self-esteem for sensory and cognitive impaired people; enhanced employment skills, social coherence and competitiveness of sensory and cognitive impaired people.
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