Writing, Computers, and Visual Impairment

Abstract

This article reviews studies on how both blind and sighted individuals write, elements of the writing process, and books that describe programs to help writers. These studies show that writing, for the blind individual, places an enormous burden on short-term memory, since it must be utilized to retrieve information from long-term memory and to monitor text transcriptions, grammar, the mechanics of composition, and spelling. Tools to help the blind writer are discussed in detail. Text access, a major hurdle, is met head-on. Yet computers that facilitate access with alternate outputs, braille translation programs, and other adaptive devices will help the visually impaired or blind individual only if schools can acquire them and only if they are priced to allow individuals to buy them for home use. In conclusion, solutions to problems are offered to stimulate the reader to think about the cognitive and curricular implications of computer technology for visually impaired individuals now and in the future.