Closed Circuit Television Used as Assistive Technology Device
Published: Jun 23, 2007A closed-circuit television (CCTV) enlarges text in the form of documents or books onto a screen. A CCTV can come in three main types: as a fixed camera on which the document is placed, a movable camera which can be rolled over the document, or as a mobile unit enlarging text in libraries, shops or the workplace.
CCTVs can be customized on such parameters as contrast, color, magnification and capacity to access a split screen, accordingly to an individual’s needs. Despite its advantages, it is a difficult task for a vision-impaired student to browse a document using CCTV. In fact, reading can be a laboriously slow task, even for a highly experienced CCTV user.
All of the graphs, pictures or math formulas may not fit on a screen so more time might be required to view images. It can often be difficult for the student to grasp the layout of the page and navigate.
There are certain considerations to be kept in mind while using a CCTV:
- Additional space and access to electrical inputs for the equipment
- Electrical cords across floors can be potentially hazardous
- Seating arrangements need to be adjusted to accommodate the equipment
- Providing course materials to the student prior to the session can assist in preparation for the class
- The print quality of written materials is important as many CCTV systems cannot legibly magnify pencil and light computer printouts
- Due to their impairment, some students may only be able to effectively use their CCTV system in a darkened environment.
