Assistive technologies for education and rehabilitation of childrenand adolescents with visual impairment

The society’s attitude towards children and adolescents with visual impairment is changing in the world in line with the development of technology. Educational systems are expected to prepare this group of people more and better and by using assistive technology to enter adult life. In addition, assistive technology plays an effective role in the education and rehabilitation of children and adolescents with visual impairment. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the use of assistive technologies for reading, writing, mathematics, science, orientation and movement, daily life activities, play and lisure time of children and adolescents with visual impairment.

this research is descriptive and systematic review. In order to collect information, a screening flowchart and a CASP evaluation checklist were used, which initially identified 36 sources and finally used 25 sources. Scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, Elsevier, Springer, Web of Science, PubMed were used to search for sources. For this purpose, the keywords of assistive technologies, academic skills, orientation and mobility, activities of daily living, play and leisure were searched in the years 2001 to 2023 and necessary information was collected.

Assistive technologies are produced and adapted according to the type and degree of disability of people. Technology has a very wide field and includes from light pens to various tablets, and it significantly helps children and adolescents with visual impairment. Mobile phones and tablets in different sizes and models are examples of information technology tools that children and adolescents with visual impairments can use to communicate with their parents or other people by sending written or video messages. Technology has the ability to act as speech for children and adolescents. Therefore, it is necessary to use assistive technology for children and adolescents with visual impairment.