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Assistive Technology for the Blind

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Assistive Technology for the Blind
The Status of Assistive Technology for the Blind in the
University of the Philippines - Diliman

Group 3, Science and Technology for Society, WFU
University of the Philippines – Diliman, Quezon City 1101

Abstract
This study aims to identify the appropriate technologies for the blind and visually impaired students and to know the availability of these technologies in the University of the Philippines – Diliman. Numerous surveys and interviews were conducted to understand the different perspectives of students, instructors, and professors regarding the matter of blind people studying in the university and also to know the perspectives and experiences of blind people. Currently, there are 225 number of blind students enrolled. According to Yukari Ishida, a blind, non-regular student in the university, Japan has better service for the blind compared to the Philippines. She raised the need for assistive technologies like braille printers, booklets, and railings in the university.We suggest the following projects: ‘Blind Zone’, ‘Blind Spot’, and ‘See-RS’ as assistive technologies for the blind students.

1. Introduction
About one hundred individuals in the Philippines lose their sight every week: among that number are students. With the use of today’s different assistive technologies (available in the country), these blind students are enabled to acquire the same quality of education as normal-sighted students. In addition to that, there are schools in the Philippines which specialize to accommodate the blind. However, there are only a few known assistive technologies made available in the schools that students usually want to enter. Among those schools is the University of the Philippines.
The University of the Philippines, being the prime state university, is known for promoting honor and excellence. Amidst its advocacy in shaping minds that shape the nation, it must also strive to break barriers to support any student to achieve all his/her academic



Bibliography: Online Sources Blindness in the Philippines.Resources for the blind.Retrieved August 4,2012. Light for the World. Retrieved September 8, 2012. Blind Adults in America: Their Lives and Challenges. The National Research Center for Women & Families.Retrieved August 4,2012 Satoshi Fukushima. Education for Deaf Blind Individuals and their Quality of Life. Retrieved September 19, 2012 Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Screen Reader Instead of Braille.Visually Impaired People in the Philippines | All About Blindness, Opportunities, Accessibility, Advantages of Modern Technology and Some Success Stories. Retrieved September 7, 2012 GMANews.TV. GMA News Online. Philippine call center to employ blind people only. Retrieved September 10, 2012 The Blind Experienced the Power of the Mac. Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired Philippine Daily Inquirer. Edson C. Tandoc Jr. First time: Blind Filipino makes it to US study program Retrieved September 20, 2012

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