Technology

BCLC teachers receive ongoing instruction in order to keep up with the latest technology beneficial to blind and visually impaired students.

Our technology lab houses five computers with screen reading software, scanning and reading technology, magnification, a Braille embosser, and a cause and effect software used by our preschoolers.  Additionally, we have access to alternative keyboards and all onsite classrooms have computers with special software and hardware for their student’s special needs.

Technology has revolutionized daily life for all of us, but it has had particularly dramatic benefits for children who are blind or visually impaired.  Only recently, the world of print information – newspapers, books, signs, menus – was largely closed off to people with vision loss.  However, the power of computers has now brought this world within reach for those who are blind and who have low vision.  Computer technology, including specialized hardware or software that stimulates the human voice reading the computer screen or renders hard-copy output into braille, designed to help persons with disability perform daily tasks, has changed the lives of countless individuals with visual impairments.

Assistive or adaptive technology, as it is called, has opportunities in education.  Students with visual impairments can complete homework, do research, take tests and read books along with their sighted classmates thanks to advances in technology.  This is a key focus for the children at BCLC in our mission to support independence for our students.

A variety of technology is currently being implemented with students that are blind and visually impaired.  Such equipment includes screen readers, screen magnifiers, websites, magnification, Braille embosser, and preschool software focused on cause effect and more.