What Is Assistive Technology? A Beginner’s Guide for Blind and Low-Vision Users

What Is Assistive Technology? A Beginner’s Guide for Blind and Low-Vision Users

Assistive technology is any tool, software, or device that helps a person with a disability do things they could not easily do otherwise. If you are blind or have low vision, assistive technology is how you use a computer, phone, and the internet.

The Main Categories of Assistive Technology for Vision

Screen Readers

A screen reader is software that reads everything on your screen aloud through speech. It also lets you navigate using keyboard commands instead of a mouse. Screen readers are used by people who are blind or have very limited vision.

The major screen readers are JAWS (Windows, commercial), NVDA (Windows, free and open source), and VoiceOver (built into Mac, iPhone, and iPad at no cost).

Screen Magnification

Magnification software enlarges what is on your screen so you can read and interact with it visually. It can also enhance colors, smooth text, and provide a cursor trail to help you track your position on screen.

Options include ZoomText (Windows, commercial), Fusion (Windows, combines JAWS and ZoomText), macOS Zoom (built into Mac, free), and Windows Magnifier (built into Windows, free).

Speech-to-Text and Voice Control

These tools let you speak instead of type, and control your device using your voice. Dictation is built into both Mac and Windows for typing by voice. Voice Control (Mac/iOS) and Voice Access (Windows) let you operate your entire device hands-free by speaking commands.

Braille Displays

A refreshable braille display is a hardware device that connects to your computer or phone and outputs text as braille characters you can read with your fingers. Braille displays work with screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver and are used by people who read braille and prefer tactile output over speech.

Accessibility Apps

Be My Eyes connects you with live volunteers or an AI assistant to describe what your phone’s camera sees. Seeing AI from Microsoft reads text, identifies products, and describes scenes. These apps are especially helpful for daily living tasks like reading mail, identifying items, and navigating unfamiliar spaces.

Which One Is Right for Me?

The right assistive technology depends on your vision, your device, and what you want to do. Here is a simple starting point:

  • If you are totally blind — A screen reader (JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver) is your primary tool, possibly with a braille display.
  • If you have some usable vision — Start with magnification (ZoomText, macOS Zoom, or Windows Magnifier). Add speech when reading gets tiring.
  • If your vision fluctuates or is declining — Fusion or a combination of magnification and screen reader gives you flexibility as your needs change.
  • If you are not sure — That is completely normal. A free consultation will help you figure out the right starting point.

What Is Already Built Into Your Device?

You may not need to buy anything to get started. Every major platform includes free accessibility tools:

  • Mac — VoiceOver, Zoom, Voice Control, Dictation, display accommodations
  • Windows — Narrator, Windows Magnifier, Voice Access, Dictation, high-contrast mode (plus free NVDA screen reader)
  • iPhone and iPad — VoiceOver, Zoom, Spoken Content, Voice Control, display accommodations

Commercial tools like JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion offer more features and are often funded through vocational rehabilitation agencies, schools, or employers.

You Do Not Have to Figure This Out Alone

Assistive technology can feel overwhelming when you are just starting. There are a lot of tools, a lot of options, and a lot of information online that assumes you already know the basics. That is exactly why personalized one-on-one training exists.

Nova’s Training starts wherever you are. No prior knowledge required. No software to install before your first session. Just a conversation about what you need and a plan to get you there. See our full list of services, or book a free consultation to talk it through.

About Your Instructor

Nem Novakovic is a Certified Assistive Technology Instructor with over 10 years of experience teaching blind, low-vision, and multi-disabled individuals how to use technology with confidence. He is blind himself and teaches from lived experience.

JAWS Certified · NVDA Certified Expert · CompTIA A+ · Based in Charlotte, NC · Remote sessions available nationwide and internationally

Ready to Get Started?

No prior experience or software needed. All sessions are remote via Microsoft Teams or phone.