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Massachusetts Commission for the Blind showcases assistive technology for blind and low‑vision job seekers
Summary
Alexander Puler of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind demonstrated video magnifiers, JAWS screen‑reading software, braille displays, an OCR reader (said to be about 99% accurate) and other tools MCB uses to match devices to workplace tasks; he offered individualized follow‑up and provided contact information.
Alexander Puler, director of assistive technology at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, demonstrated commonly used devices and software that the agency provides or recommends to help people with limited or no usable vision perform job tasks. He said MCB does individualized evaluations and pairs the right device to a person’s skills and the tasks required by an employer.
Puler described desktop video magnifiers (CCTV) that use a camera to enlarge printed text on a monitor and offer color and contrast adjustments. “This device…comes in a variety of different sizes and has some different options,” he said, noting portable units that fold for transport as well as larger, stationary models. He also demonstrated a handheld video magnifier intended for spot reading and out‑of‑reach labels.
On computer accessibility, Puler showed high‑contrast, large‑print keyboards (available as USB or Bluetooth) and discussed screen‑access software. He introduced JAWS (Job Access With Speech), saying it “will render a desktop completely accessible for somebody with very limited to no usable vision” and demonstrated navigating and composing email with the program’s keyboard commands.
For people with the most limited vision, Puler demonstrated a combined braille input device with a refreshable braille display that pairs with a computer to provide both braille input and output. He also demonstrated an OCR (optical character recognition) device that photographs printed documents and reads them aloud; Puler said the OCR unit has “approximately a 99% accuracy rate” but cautioned that a 99% rate implies roughly one word in 100 may be incorrect and that errors can accumulate over long documents. He noted the OCR unit is portable and includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack for private listening.
Puler explained that some systems can combine functions (for example, embedding OCR into a desktop video magnifier) and emphasized there is no single solution for every consumer. He said MCB’s assistive‑technology unit conducts individualized evaluations to determine the best available technology for a person and the employer’s workspace. He also described adapting consumer devices — such as an iPhone with built‑in magnifier software and a stand — to act as handheld video magnifiers.
Looking ahead, Puler showed a wearable headset with a camera intended for long‑distance viewing that can help in certain job settings (for example, laboratory work) though it is not meant for general ambulatory use. He closed by inviting employers and consumers to request individualized demonstrations or training and provided direct contact information for follow‑up.
Contact: Alexander Puler, Director of Assistive Technology, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind; phone provided in the demonstration: (617) 626‑7505.
The presentation focused on device capabilities and the agency’s evaluation and pairing process; no formal votes or policy actions were recorded during the session.
