Unfortunately, many students start college not fully prepared. The first year is an adjustment and the most crucial period in a student’s college career. College Resources for Visually Impaired Students Part 1 discussed an overview about the role of Student Disabilities Services and the responsibilities of the student. Part 2 will discuss specific resources such as where to order textbooks in audio format, assistive technology, and where to find scholarships.
Braille
If you are a Braille user and your college or university does not have the equipment or software to produce Braille, ask your professors and or your Disabilities Services coordinator to put materials on a disk in text format. This can enable you to translate the material in Braille yourself. Refreshable Braille note taker devices are recommended. Students can contact their vocational rehabilitation counselor and Disabilities Services counselor to find out how to obtain these devices.
Readers
Readers can be a vital tool and knowing how to use them is very important. Check with your vocational rehabilitation counselor to see if money can be provided for this service. Here are a few tips to assist you in working with your readers.
- Do not rely on just one reader.
- You can look for readers off campus such as retirees and volunteers through Delta Gamma if there is a chapter in your area. You can also check with the Lions Club. The advantage of using off campus readers is that they aren’t affected by the stress of midterms, final exams, and cramming.
- Since a person's schedule may differ, it is a good idea to purchase a tape recorder and 80-90 minute tapes. You should give a copy of the syllabus to your readers.
For more information on how to work with your readers visit Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Many students have found assistive technology to be the most effective and dependable way to get through college. One blind adult advises, “Not to rely on readers too much but to become very familiar with technology.” On her computer she uses JAWS, a Power Braille Display, Braille Lite, and Kurzweil screen readers to do most of her reading assignments and class preparation and used readers very little. Some students may prefer to use Type and Speak exclusively for notes and JAWS at home. Students can even use a scanner to read textbooks and handouts through programs such as JAWS which is a program that reads aloud to the user. For more information about JAWS visit: Freedomscientific's website.
Difficulties to Expect
During a college student's career, there will be difficulties to expect. Some of the most common difficulties are planning and organizing notes. In addition, students may encounter difficulties with study skills, especially when it comes to doing library research and writing papers. Large print users may experience problems with studying from audio format. This is because large print users are accustomed to learning visually instead of learning through listening.
Also students may experience problems ordering textbooks through services such as RFB&D (Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic). This is because sometimes textbooks may not be available in audio format. Therefore, students will need to find alternative ways to obtain the textbooks they need for each semester. Difficulties can arise when students need to advocate with faculty and their vocational rehabilitation counselor. In addition, students may experience difficulties with social skills such as getting along with their roommates and or daily independent living skills. These problems are common for any student not just students with physical challenges.
Scholarships
- NFB scholarships and national scholarships: RFB&D
- Scholarships, Grants, and Loans: Fastweb
- Careervoices
Resources for Students
For more information on study skills students may visit the following links:
Students can get assistance from Student Disabilities Services Office at their college or university. In addition, they may obtain financial assistance through the financial aid office and the vocational rehabilitation programs in their state. The National Federation of the Blind offers a summer training program in independence and other necessary skills in Colorado, Minnesota, and Louisiana.
