Visually Impaired Resource Guide Assistive Technology For Students With Low Vision Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

The CCTV is a highly customizable versatile magnification system designed to enlarge and enhance images and print material using video camera technology.

The CCTV is used most often to provide magnification for reading activities. It can also be used for providing the magnification necessary to complete many other tasks including drawing, writing and some craft activities as well as view labels, maps and other small technologies such as a hand held calculator. Additional features, such as a colour camera with direct connection capabilities to a svga computer, are available with specific CCTV models.

Small children or students with some specific eye conditions may require a CCTV with a detachable monitor. The monitor can then be placed at the studentŐs appropriate eye level and to the side of, or, at a 90 degree angle to the base of the CCTV unit.

Some CCTV models can be attached to a room viewing camera for distance viewing. Other optional features may include features monochrome or full colour, a choice of foreground/background colour combinations, normal or reverse image mode and on-screen line/window marker(s).

When introducing the CCTV to very young children, accessibility by the entire class should be encouraged as many social skills can be developed. Fun activities could include crosswords, jig saw puzzles, hangman, tic tac toe or looking at small wiggly creatures.

Prerequisites

• the need to have image enhancement

Skills

• distinguish between the various control buttons
  • on/off
  • focus
  • size
  • brightness
  • normal/reverse image mode
  • contrast
  • colour
  • colour select
  • line
  • adjust table movements
• adjust size and focus to appropriate level after placing document or other viewing material on CCTV table
• develop smooth rhythmically back/forth movements to increase reading speed
• independently check various possible trouble sources when having difficulties with the equipment ( ie: power source, control settings)

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