While this page starts with the blind and visually impaired, it will cover other areas like the deaf, and physically and mentally disabled. With voice recognition and mechanical device capabilities, almost anyone can operate a computer--and thus communicate over the Internet. Our Pen-Pal Program will eventually match our leyeners with others having the same disability.

Vision

20/20 refers to normal vision. It means that you can see at 20 feet what a normal person can see at 20 feet. 20/200 is the threshhold for being legally blind. It means that you see at 20 feet what a normal person sees at 200 feet.

Another meaasure of being legally blind is having only a 20 degree peripheral vision. Peripheral vision is your field of vision from side to side. Normal peripheral vision is 150 degrees with one eye and 180 degrees with both eyes.

The major causes of lost vision in adults are: Cataracts, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Macular Degeneraation.

There are specific computer needs of those who have vision problems. These needs deal with hardware, software and the manner in which the display is generated on your screen.

Suggestions for Visually Impaired Readers

Use text-only when given a choice.

Increase Font Size.

Increase contrast between text and background.

Get as large a screen as you can afford.