Assistive technology designed to convert printed text into spoken words or other accessible formats, such as Braille, empowers individuals with visual impairments to access written materials independently. These devices range from portable handheld scanners to sophisticated desktop systems capable of processing complex documents, including books, newspapers, and mail. An example is a device that captures an image of a page and then uses optical character recognition (OCR) to translate the image into text, which is then vocalized through a synthesized voice or output in Braille.
Such technology significantly enhances educational opportunities, employment prospects, and social inclusion for people with vision loss. Historically, access to printed information relied heavily on human readers or transcribed Braille materials, which presented practical limitations and potential privacy concerns. The advent of these technologies represents a pivotal advancement in accessibility, granting greater autonomy and fostering independence for individuals with visual impairments.
