Can a person with significant visual impairment utilise touchscreen technology?

I have had some questions recently about those individuals with severe or complete visual impairment and their ability to use touchscreens. I have had great success with the iPad with these individuals.

Henry was diagnosed as being completely blind.  He also had some issues with verbal outbursts.  He thoroughly enjoyed a number of auditory apps which he could interact with. They also proved very useful for creating improved mood and relaxation when he was feeling unhappy or anxious. He responded particularly well to musical apps and musical instruments as well as nature apps.  Some examples of apps he used included;
Nature Sound (free).  Blog Post 18 June 2014
Tiny Piano (free). Blog Post 22 June 2014
Magic Piano (free).  Blog Post 15 October 2014
You've Got Rhythm (free).  Blog Post 15 October 2014

Lily was a friendly, chatty lady who had severe vision impairment.  She found it difficult to engage in activities other than listening to the radio or television.  She found great enjoyment in the interactivity of the iPad.  Some apps she enjoyed were;
Pocket Pond (free).  Blog Post 13 August 2014
Relax M. HD (free).  Blog Post 15 October 2014

Another app she enjoyed was 'Fireworks Arcade' which gives bursts of fireworks as you touch the screen.  The faster you touch the screen, the greater the bursts.  She particularly enjoyed using it to celebrate special occasions with other residents, such as birthdays. 

For those individuals with visual impairment, try and offer apps with rich auditory sounds, that don't require specific finger placement on the screen . This allows for the person to interact with the device, creating their own experience.


The next post will be about The AVED project (Applying Virtual Environments for Dementia Care)