Section
4:
Rights and Responsibilities
Appendix
B: Appropriate
Language and Behaviour
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Brief Description:
CCTVs allow the user to enlarge text in the form of documents, books etc. onto a computer or TV screen. Some systems allow the user to switch between CCTV image and, say, word processing software.
Who can it assist?
- students who have a visual impairment
Inclusive Teaching Practice
Considerations:
- Even for a highly experienced CCTV user, reading is still a laboriously slow task which is physically tiring.
- At the lowest point of magnification, the screen magnifies approximately one fiftieth of the page. Therefore:
- Despite the advantages of this technology, it remains a very difficult task to peruse and browse a document
- Graphs, pictures, Maths formulae etc. may not fit on a screen at one time.
- It is difficult for the student to grasp the geography of the page ie. to work out where they are.
- Electrical cords across floors may potentially be a hazard requiring consideration in some settings.
A student using a ccTV system:
- will require additional space at any work station including examination/assessment facilities
- will need access to power points for the equipment
- may require the allowance of additional time to complete tasks, assignments and assessments
- may need rest breaks from physical tasks
- Consideration may need to be given to seating arrangements within the learning setting to accommodate the equipment.
- Providing written materials (eg. notes, handouts, charts and diagrams, readings etc.) to the student prior to the class/session/practical will assist their preparation for the class as they will have the opportunity to pre-read the information.
- The print quality of written materials is important as many CCTV systems cannot legibly magnify pencil and light computer printouts.
- The lighting in areas may need to be considered. For example, due to their impairment, some students may only be able to effectively use their CCTV system in a darkened environment.
Inclusive Technology
- They come in 3 main types:
- Fixed camera over a movable table on which the document is placed.
- Movable camera which can be rolled over the document. Some versions of this type can be interfaced with the computer allowing the user to work with computer programmes and view the enlarged CCTV image on the same screen.
- Mobile unit which can be used to enlarge text in libraries, shops or the workplace.
- The one system cannot be used by all students who have a visual impairment as quite often the CCTV system used will be specific to that persons requirements. Contrast, colour, magnification and capacity to access a split screen are just some of the parameters which may differ between systems.
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 Tasmania Ph. 6334 2266
Independent Living Centre 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
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