There is nothing worse than losing a job or not being able to get a job due to lack of assistive technology for the blind or visually impaired.  Such a situation can cause frustration, lack of confidence, self-esteem and financial difficulty and loss of independence. 
   
Top Assistive Technology for the Blind
The following assistive technology devices and information can help:

•    Screen magnifiers can be used over the screen of a computer monitor, enabling the vision impaired to handle more visually tedious employment positions. These assistive technology for the blind options can also make simple computer games, email, and surfing the Web available again.

•    For the blind,  products such as Talking Toolbox for Windows, offered by MarvelSoft, provides 100 percent voice-activation software, which enables  “talking technology” for email, writing letters, and eBooks

•    Solo 6 Literacy Suite,  which has been redesigned to make it even easier to use.  This assistive technology system has it all for blind or low vision users: text reader, talking word processer and graphic organizer.

•    Nokia N91 is one of the best all-in-one assistive technology for the blind devices (phone, music player, digital camera, web browser, PDA and book reader).  It has a screen reader or magnifier and utilizes DAISY book reading software from Code Factory.

Guide Dogs and Service Dogs
They may not qualify as technology, but our canine friends are every bit as helpful. Their eyes and ears are "technology" enough, and no screen reader can match their heart. For those who desire to use guide dogs  or service dogs as a sort of furry assistive technology for the blind, here are a few tips:

•    In order to apply for one of these animals, you must be 16 years of age or older, blind or legally blind, have the ability to travel independently with a white cane, and are ready and willing to handle all the responsibilities that go into caring for a guide dog or service dog.

•    Be sure to make your request for breed, sex, color or any other preferences early in the application process, though there are no guarantees.

•    Understand there will be a training class for you with your dog, and the wait for such a class after applying can be six months. Apply early, and soon your own special friend will provide his assistive technology for the blind to better your life.