Using Technology to Assist the Visually Impaired

EAN TIKKUN, PH.D., attaches a device about the size and shape of a forefinger to the right arm of his glasses. He picks up a brochure, presses a button on the device – known as a MyEye – which then begins reading the brochure aloud.

Frequently, when something looks different, our human nature is to say it is wrong. We do not do well with different

— Sean Tikkun, Ph.D.

Tikkun, an assistant professor of curriculum and instruction in the School of Education, has two main responsibilities. He trains teachers who will instruct people who are blind and visually impaired. He also investigates assistive technology for people who are blind and visually impaired.

“The last 10 years have been amazing,” Tikkun said. “It’s been an amazing renaissance since Apple introduced their screen reader.”

What employers in particular and the public in general don’t seem to know is that many blind and visually impaired people can do many of the same activities as sighted people.

“That stems from not knowing what a blind person could do to engage in a job, such as technologies, techniques or skills,” Tikkun said. “Frequently, when something looks different, our human nature is to say it is wrong. We do not do well with different.”

Tikkun’s position is a bit different from his colleagues at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). While other faculty go off to hear talks by other academics, Tikkun spends his conference budget each January on a trip to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

“I walk the show for three days and see how new technology will impact people who are blind and visually impaired,” Tikkun said.

He then presents his impressions at the Assistive Technology Industry Association in Florida, where he also can question manufacturers and criticize entire industries.

Back on the second floor of the H.M. Michaux Jr. School of Education Building, Tikkun introduces his graduate students to the recent technology as well as familiarizes them with older assistive technology such as magnifying devices, enlarged computer keyboards and printers that produce Braille.

“It is not just about the technology,” Tikkun said. “It is also about the person’s ability to effectively use the technology.”