topcorner.gif (2578 bytes)

 

CONTENTS

Section 1:
Introduction

Section 2:
Strategies

Section 3:
The Law

Section 4:
Rights and Responsibilities

Section 5: Code of Practice

Section 6:
Who can Assist?

Appendix A:
Examples

Appendix B: Appropriate
Language and Behaviour

Appendix C:
Fact Sheets

Bibliography

References

Tasmanian Organisations

Acknowledge-
ments

 

getacro.gif (712 bytes)

To read PDFs
Get Acrobat Reader.

  

Optical Character Recognition Systems

This Fact Sheet is available in PDF Format. To Access and download this version click here.

 

Brief Description:

Optical character recognition (OCR) is a process by which printed text in books, magazines or newspapers is converted directly into speech or digitised information. When a speech synthesiser is used with an OCR system, it is possible for people with visual disabilities to gain almost instantaneous access to virtually any printed material.

Who can it assist?

    • students who are blind or have a visual impairment
    • students who experience difficulty visually processing information due to a learning disability

Inclusive Teaching Practice

Students who OCR systems:

  • may require access to a personal computer
  • may need access to power points for the equipment and an ergonomically sound work station
  • may require additional work space at any work station
  • will, in most cases, require more time to complete a reading or writing task given that they will have to scan information before being able to access it

You can assist your student by:

  • consulting with them to determine the level of flexibility their OCR system possesses in terms of the size and format of materials (such as large paper documents, maps and books) it can handle
  • providing written materials (eg. notes, handouts, charts and diagrams, readings etc.) to the student prior to the class/session/practical. This will assist them in their preparation for the class as they will have the opportunity to pre-scan the information.
  • ensuring that materials provided are of sufficient quality to enable successful scanning
  • where necessary, allowing additional time for tasks/assignments to be achieved
    •

Inclusive Technology

  • An OCR system consists of a scanner, the recognition component and OCR software.
  • A variety of OCR products providing a range of features are available.
  • Generally, they work as an external device with the user’s existing assistive technology, however, some products have adaptive devices built in and are referred to as `stand-alone reading machines’.
    •

Further information and assistance can be obtained from:

Disability Advisers/Disability Liaison Officers (see Fact Sheet section 6 for contact details)

ACCESS & Equity Project of Northern Group Training Ph. 6334 2266

Independent Living Centre of Tasmania Ph. 6334 5899

Royal Guide Dogs for the Blind Society Tasmania Ph. 6232 1222

Useful information and links can be found at the following website:

Technical Access Liaison Group (TALG)
http://ariel.ucs.unimelb.edu.au/~heyes/talg.html

NCIP - National Centre to improve practice in Special Education through Technology, Media and Materials
http://www.edc.org/FSC/NCIP/

 

Introduction | Strategies for Inclusive Practice | What The Law Says | Legislative Requirements | Rights and Responsibilities | Code of Practice | Who Can Assist? | Examples of Inclusive Practice | Appropriate Language and Behaviour | Index to Fact Sheet Series | Bibliography | Recommended References | Tasmanian Organisations | Acknowledgements