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Abstract

Visually impaired college students have been hampered in their efforts to pursue careers in science and technology because few adaptations have been developed to help them perform laboratory experiments without the help of a sighted assistant. This article discusses the general importance of instruments in science and technology, specifically the use of computers in the laboratory. It then describes the development, operations, uses, and software of the Universal Laboratory Training and Research Aid (ultra). The ultra is a portable talking laboratory computer that can be used as an instructional laboratory aid, a talking computer terminal, a professional tool, and a personal computer. In addition to its many general-purpose functions, it will enable visually impaired students, as well as professionals, to perform independently important instrumental measurements and other laboratory experiments.

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The Microcomputer as a Laboratory Aid for Visually Impaired Science Students

Abstract

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References