Closed circuit television systems or CCTV’s, are also often known as video magnifiers.
CCTV’s use a camera to magnify the print or image from between three to sixty times the original size. The print or image is placed under the camera and the image is displayed on a screen above. CCTV’s can also be used to zoom in on exact information on a page and can magnify handwriting as the person writes.
There are various types of CCTV’s including:
- monochrome, black and white, devices which allow the individual to switch foreground and background colours to meet their needs
- full colour devices which allow the individual to select the best foreground and background colour to suit their needs
- desktop devices which are useful for reading documents and looking at images whilst in an office situation
- handheld devices which are useful for reading labels and scanning documents such as mail and maps
- computer connectable devices which allow documents to be magnified onto a PC or laptop.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people with vision impairment, reading workplace documents, reports and texts can be difficult. The use of a Closed Circuit Television System or video magnifier can aid the individual to see the image or text more clearly enabling them to fulfil their work roles more effectively and independently.
CCTV’s can also be used to assist an individual with vision impairment to fill in forms, write letters and cheques, and view photos.
Portable CCTV’s can be useful for individuals who are required to read text outside of the office without compromising the screen size or magnification. Some portable CCTV’s have an integrated camera plus a mouse camera which allows magnification of curved or irregular surfaces.
For more information about magnifiers and viewing documents see the links below:
References
Humanware 2011, Desktop/Portable Magnifiers, HumanWare Group, Baulkham Hills, viewed 13 May 2011, http://www.humanware.com/en-australia/products/low_vision/desktop_portable_magnifiers.
Humanware 2010, SmartView Mobile, HumanWare Group, Baulkham Hills, viewed 13 May 2011, http://www.humanware.com/en-australia/products/low_vision/desktop_portable_magnifiers/_details/id_128/smartview_mobile.html.
Quantum Technology 2011, Low Vision Hardware, Quantum Technology, Sydney, viewed 13 May 2011, http://www.quantumrlv.com.au/Low-Vision-Hardware.
Vision Australia 2009, Video Magnifiers, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 13 May 2011, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1240.