Sports & Hobby Aids
Contents: To jump to the topic you would like, click on the links below
Introduction
Persons who are Blind or have Visual Impairments can take part and benefit from activities like Sports, Hobbies and other physical activities. These activities are a good way to increase the verbal, social, and mobility skills of children with Visual Impairments. Being active in music, clubs, sport and other after-school programs can help children to strengthen their language skills, gain physical agility as well as confidence, and understand social situations. Parents and teachers who push students with Visual Impairments to have as normal experience as possible, not only help them gain skills and develop self-reliance, but also help other students understand how to work and play with persons who are different. Adults who are Blind or have Visual Impairments, also benefit from Sports and Hobbies, as these activities not only help prevent depression, but can also help them to meet other people and remove some of the stigma associated with having a disability. Many Sportsmen and women with Visual Impairments inspire others and help society learn about persons with disabilities.
Some Sports such as Swimming, Judo and Athletics don't really require adapted equipment but some Sports and Hobbies require the assistance of adapted Sports Equipment such as Sound Balls and Braille Equipment, so that Persons with Visual Impairments can take part. An increasing number of people with disabilities are participating in sports, leading to the development of new assistive technology for various Sports and Hobbies, which are available from various Organizations & Companies in South Africa, such as Edit Microsystems. Many of these companies can also advise you on what equipment would best suit your needs and can also teach persons and offer support to them on how to best use the equipment that they supply. To view more information about this Sports and Hobby Equipment and the Organizations & Companies that provide them, read the article below.
Edit Microsystems: Edit Microsystems (Pty) Ltd is an award-winning company that is devoted to finding alternative and state-of-the-art technical solutions to improve curriculum delivery in educational institutions and effective communication in business with a focus on high-speed functional connectivity and on-going support. They have a proud tradition of innovation and are on the cutting edge of technological advances in education. Many of their products are designed to enhance interactivity in a classroom or lecture theatre. Edit Microsystems are also a leader in finding and providing specially adapted hardware and software for Learners with Special Educational Needs throughout South Africa.
Edit Microsystems can be contacted on: 086 111 3973 and have their Head Office in Cape Town at: 13 Boy De Goede Circle, Table View, 7441. They also have an online shop and branches in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng.
To contact these other branches or find out more about Edit Microsystems and the products they supply, visit their web site at: www.editmicro.co.za or email them at: info@editmicro.co.za.
Sports Equipment / Aids
Assistive technology for sports may be simple or advanced and can be found in sports ranging from local community recreation activities to the Paralympic Games. More complex assistive technology devices have been developed over time, and as a result, sports for persons with disabilities have changed from being a clinical therapeutic tool to an increasingly competition-oriented activity. Assistive technology may be used in disabled sports, where an existing sport is modified to enable players with a disability to participate or used to invent completely new sports suited for athletes with disabilities.
Sports for persons who are Blind or have Visual Impairments that include adapted equipment, include: Goalball, Football, Cricket, Showdown, Golf, etc. Many of these sports are ball sports which are played with balls that have been specifically made to make a noise to help Persons with Visual Impairments to detect the ball. Below is a list of some of this equipment, which is available in South Africa from companies such as Edit Microsystems.
Audible Basketballs
Audible Basketballs are used in a variety of Sports for Persons With Visual Impairments, this includes Basketball and Netball for the Blind. These Audible Basketballs have small bells in them, which makes a jingling sound when bounced, this helps Persons With Visual Impairments to be able to hear where the ball is. There are a variety of different types and sizes of these Basketballs which are sold in South Africa including the following Basketballs made by Handi Life Sport, which are sold by Edit Microsystems.
- The Size 5 Basketball: This Basketball (pictured right) is an Orange Rubber Sound Ball. This is a Junior basketball, which is orange and rubber and is a size 5, with a weight of approx. 530 grams and has a clear jingling sound. You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or to receive a quote.
- The Size 7 Basketball: This ball is a sound ball, which is orange and made of rubber, and weighs 660 grams. The Basketball has a clear jingling sound and is a normal size basketball. You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or to receive a quote.
There are also various other types of these products which are available from companies such as Edit Microsystems, contact them to see what other types of these products they can supply.
Audible Cricket Balls & Other Cricket Equipment
Cricket for the Blind is played in South Africa and has a couple of adaptions in terms of equipment. The major adaptation is the ball, which is significantly larger than a standard cricket ball and filled with ball bearings to provide audible cues. The size of the ball allows partially sighted players to see the ball and the contents allow blind players to hear it. The wickets / stumps are also larger and are made of metal tubes and painted in fluorescent colours, to allow partially sighted players to see them better. Blind players touch them in order to correctly orient themselves when batting or bowling.
This Cricket Equipment is available to purchase from companies and clubs such as Edit Microsytems and the Differently Abled Cricket Club (DACC), contact them to find out more or to receive a quote, or Click Here to find out more about Cricket for the Blind.
Audible Soccer Balls
Persons with Visual Impairments can play Soccer/Football, with support, training and with the assistance from Sporting Aids such as a “jingling or rattling” ball which can allow the player to know where the Soccer ball is. A coach on the sidelines shouting clear instructions can also help players, while a raised edge around the field can assist players to notice when the ball goes out of bounds. Blind Football is variation of Futsal designed for players who are Blind or Visually Impaired, it is currently a Paralympic Sport and the ball that is used has been modified to make a jingling or rattling sound. These Audible Soccer balls are sold in South Africa including the following which are made by Handi Life Sport and are sold by Edit Microsystems. They include the:
Soccer Ball With Rattling Sound: This Soccer Ball (pictured right) has 4 sound devices and is a size 5, it comes in different colours and designs, it looks like a normal football but is audible. You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or to receive a quote.
There are also a variety of different types and sizes of other types of Audible Balls that are sold in South Africa including the following which are made by Handi Life Sport and are sold by Edit Microsystems. They include the:
Medino Sound Ball: This ball is made from first class imitation leather and has a good grip and a fine rattling sound. It has a new attractive design and is 21 cm's in diameter and weighs 430 grams. You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or to receive a quote.
Jumbo Ball with Sound: This Jumbo ball is made from fine imitation leather and has a good rattling sound. It is red and white in colour and has a diameter of 29 cm and a weight of 640 g. You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or to receive a quote.
Petito Foam: Petito Foam ball (pictured right) is a multipurpose ball that can be used in many kinds of activities. This soft and friendly little ball has rattling bells and is well suited for everyone from small children to seniors. The ball can be used in many kinds of play and games. The Petito Foam ball is manufactured from pure PU material and is filled with acrylic wool. The ball measures approximately 13 cm in diameter, but is not 100% spherical. The weight of the ball is approximately 200 grams. The ball is soft and spongy and will not hurt anyone and is easy to throw, roll, grab & hold. It has a pleasant rattling sound and can be used in different indoor environments, as well as outdoors in dry conditions. You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or to receive a quote.
There are also various other types of these products which are available from companies such as Edit Microsystems, contact them to see what other types of these products they can supply.
Futsal Balls
Futsal is a variant of football played on a hard court, which is smaller than a football pitch and mainly played indoors. It can be considered a version of five-a-side football. Futsal is also played with a smaller, harder, low-bounce ball. The surface, ball and the rules, favour ball control and passing in small spaces. There are a variety of different types and sizes of these Futsal balls that are sold in South Africa including the following which are made by Handi Life Sport and are sold by Edit Microsystems.
They include the:
The Official Football For The Blind: This Football is the official football for 5-a-side football for the Blind. This Futsal ball with bells is made according to IBSA standards by Handi Life Sport. It is a size 3 and has low bounce and an excellent rattling sound, with 6 sound devices. It is made from strong imitation leather and has a circumference 60-62 cm. You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or to receive a quote.
Yellow Futsal Ball for Blind: This Yellow Futsal Ball (pictured right) is made by Handi Life Sport and has a good rattling sound and is a size 3. It comes in different designs and is a good budget ball for Blind football. You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or to receive a quote.
There are also various other types of these products which are available from companies such as Edit Microsystems, contact them to see what other types of these products they can supply.
Goal Balls
Goalball is a team Sport designed specifically for athletes with Visual Impairments. Participants compete in teams of three, and try to throw a ball that has bells embedded in it into the opponents' goal. This Sport is played indoors, usually on a volleyball court. Eye shades allow partially sighted players to compete on an equal footing with Blind players. Eye patches may be worn under eye shades to ensure complete coverage of the eye, and prevent any vision should the eye shades become dislodged. Players must use the sound of the bell in the ball to judge the position and movement of the ball. These Goalballs are available in South Africa from companies such as Edit Microsystems and include:
Goalball, Blue Rubber with Sound: (pictured right) weighs 1.25 kilograms, has eight holes and contains several noise bells. The ball's diameter is approximately 24 centimetres. These Goal Balls are available and are sold in South Africa by companies such as Edit Microsystems. This Goalball is blue and made from rubber by Handi Life Sport according to IBSA standards. You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or to receive a quote.
There are also various other types of these products which are available from companies such as Edit Microsystems, contact them to see what other types of these products they can supply.
Showdown Balls
Showdown is a Sport for Persons who are Blind or are Visually Impaired. It is similar to air hockey, or table tennis and is growing very quickly around the world. It is also played by sighted players, but they are not allowed to participate in the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) tournaments. Showdown is comparatively inexpensive to start up and requires minimal maintenance. It can be played in a room the size of a classroom. The only equipment needed is the specially designed table, two paddles, a special ball into which Ball Bearings have been inserted to make it audible. Opaque goggles and a glove are also used to protect the batting hand. The table can be disassembled and stored away after play if necessary. Showdown Balls are sold in South Africa by Companies such as Edit Microsystems, which sell the following:
Showdown ball: These Sound balls are yellow and made of plastic with a diameter 6 cm and a weight 30 grams. You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or receive a quote.
There are also various other types of these products which are available from companies such as Edit Microsystems, contact them to see what other types of these products they can supply.
Tandem Bicycles
A Tandem Bicycle is a form of bicycle designed to be ridden by more than one person, they have 2 saddles, one behind the other and have double the pedalling power. Tandem Bicycles enable blind and partially sighted persons to participate in and enjoy the sport of cycling. Tandem bicycles are used in competitions such as the Paralympics with Blind and Visually Impaired cyclists riding as stokers with fully sighted captains. There are a variety of different types of Tandem Bicycles which are available and some high-performance tandems may weigh less than twice as much as a single bike, so the power-to-weight ratio may be slightly better than that of a single bike and rider. Tandem Bicycles are available in South Africa from Organizations such as Tandem Cycling SA, contact them to see what types of these products they can supply.
Torball's
Torball is an indoor ball game for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It is played with a 500-gram rubber ball fitted with interior bells, and the players wear face masks. Each team consists of three players that must stay on their half of the court at all times. Goals are located at both ends of the court, and the players must guard these goals to prevent the opponent from scoring. In front of the goals, there are three parallel ropes suspended 40 cm above the floor; the ball must roll under these ropes without touching them in order to score a goal. Torballs are sold in South Africa by Companies such as Edit Microsystems, which sell the following:
Torball: This Torball which is red and made of rubber, has a clear jingling sound and a diameter of 21 cm and weighs 500 grams. You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more or to receive a quote.
There are also various other types of these products which are available from companies such as Edit Microsystems, contact them to see what other types of these products they can supply.
Other Equipment
There is a variety of other types of Equipment that is utilized in various other sports by competitors who are Blind or have Visual Impairments, this equipment includes: Blind Folds, Guide Rails, Clap Sticks, etc.
Swimming: S11 Swimmers are required to wear blacked out goggles and a Tapper. The swimmer has to bring their own Tapper. Competitive swimmers with limited or no vision use a "tapper." This is a knowledgeable and experienced sport guide who is trained to observe a swimmer's strokes and "tap" the swimmer with a long pole to indicate the lane ending and the need to make a turn.
Tappers are positioned at each end of the pool and use a rod with a firm foam tip to touch or tap the swimmer at the correct moment as the swimmer approaches the wall. Swim tappers must synchronize their tap with the swimmer's stroke movement and momentum to enable the blind swimmer to swim at top speed without fear of colliding with the end of the pool. Tappers also help blind swimmers to execute a racing turn without losing time during a race.
Archery: In blind archery competitions, some archers use a blind fold and a tactile sighting device but this classification is not eligible to compete at the Paralympic Games.
Five-A-Side Football and Para-Equestrian: In five-a-side football and para-equestrian, B1 competitors are required to wear blindfolds.
Judo: In judo, B1 classified competitors have a red dot on their kit to let others know they are completely blind.
Sighted Guides
Equipment utilized by competitors in this class may include sighted guides, guide rails, beeping balls and clap sticks. The use of a sighted guide by people in this class is dependent on the specific requirements of the sport. Para-alpine and para-Nordic skiers use guides, with the guide for B1 skiers generally skiing behind the skier in order to maximize the ability of the skier to hear the guide. The guide tells the skier things like when weight should be shifted, elements coming up on the course, and how to position themselves to maximize the diagonal run of the course. In cycling, this classification also uses a guide, utilizing a tandem bicycle with the guide sitting at the front.
Competitors must use a guide in athletics. When a runner is looking for a guide, they are encouraged to find one with a gait similar to their own. A rope or tether may be used to connect the runner to the guide. For field events such as the long jump triple jump, or discus, a caller may be used. Voice commands can also be used in 100 meter events. At the 2012 Summer Paralympics, it was the first time guides in athletics were awarded medals. At the elite level, guides are treated the same as the blind runner. Guides and runners must both use blocks for any race shorter than 400 meters. In 200 meter races, the guide runs on the right side of the runner. For races 800 meters or longer, a runner may use up to two guides but the course officials must be informed of any decision to use more than one guide in advance of the race. In the marathon, the runner may use up to four different guides. The runner must finish ahead of the guide. In running, the guide should attempt to match the running pattern of the runner, not the other way around.
Callers are used in para-equestrian to assist the rider in navigating the competition ring. For S11 swimmers, a tapper stands on the pool deck to tap the swimmer as they approach the wall. The swimmer has to bring their own tapper. Swimmers in this class are required to wear black out goggles. In blind archery competitions, archers use a blind fold and a tactile sighting device. This classification is not eligible to compete at the Paralympic Games. In five-a-side football and para-equestrian, B1 competitors are required to wear blindfolds. In judo, B1 classified competitors have a red dot on their kit to let others know they are completely blind.
Hobby Aids
Hobby Aids are adapted equipment that are used to assist Persons With Visual Impairment or who are Blind to still continue to enjoy Hobbies like Sowing, Cards and Board Games. Due to the variety of different types of Visual Impairments, there are also a variety of different types of Hobby Aids or Equipment that can assist. Below is a list of some of this equipment, which is available in South Africa from companies such as Edit Microsystems and Ability Assist.
Card, Video & Board Games
There are a variety of different types of Games that can be played by Persons With Visual Impairments or who are Blind. These Games have been altered slightly to include Braille writing for Persons who are Blind, or larger printing for Person who are Visually Impaired and are able to see to some extent. Some of these games can also be played on a computer using Computer Aids to assist. Visit our Computer & Electronic Aids section to find out more about this equipment.
Low Vision, Large Print & Braille Playing Cards
Larger cards can be easier to handle and see, Card Holders which take large or standard-sized cards can be useful for holding and sorting your hand. Large Print Playing Cards which assist Persons With Visual Impairments who have some vision, are sold in South Africa by Organizations and Companies such as The South African National Council for the Blind, Edit Microsystems and Ability Assist. They include:
Easy To See Coloured Playing Cards and Holders: have large letters and numbers which measure 40mm in height. Each suit has a different colour of black, red, green and blue. The card packs come with a holder which can hold up to a full deck of cards. The card size is 63mm x 88mm. These cards are available from companies such as Edit Microsytems, You can contact them to find out more or to receive a quote.
Large Print Playing Cards: include this set of plastic coated playing cards from Ability Assist which has larger letters and numbers compared to normal cards, making it easier to read. You can contact Ability Assist to find out more or to receive a quote.
Uno And Braille Cards: Uno is a family card game that comes in Braille for greater accessibility to all players. You can contact the South African National Council for the blind to find out more or to receive a quote.
There are also various other types of these products which are available from companies such as Edit Microsystems, contact them to see what other types of these products they can supply.
If you are unable to play the actual versions, there are also computerized versions of Card Games. Some windows operating software comes with a variety of card games, or you can download many different games for free or play online. Many of these games can be played by yourself or against others. You can visit www.gamblers007.com or www.izzygames.com to see the rules and to find out what other card games are also appropriate for both children and adults. Many of these games can be played by yourself or against others. Online Poker is also available on a number of sites. Visit www.gamingzion.com to find out more.
To find out about Computer Aids that can assist you to be able to play these games online visit our section on Computer Aids.
Chess
Chess is a board game played by millions of people worldwide, including Persons with Disabilities. It is normally played between two players on a chessboard but Multiplayer Chess is available and some Chess boards are available to accommodate 3 or 4 players. Chess is played on a checkered game board that has 64 squares arranged in an 8×8 grid. Each player begins with 16 pieces, including: one king, one queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns. Each of the six piece types moves differently, with the most powerful being the queen and the least powerful the pawn. Persons who are Blind or have Visual Impairments are able to play Chess thanks to equipment such as Braille Chess Boards, which are sold by companies and Organizations such as Edit Microsystems and The South African National Council for the Blind. These Chess Boards make the game easier for Visually Impaired players, as the chess pieces fit into holes on the playing surface to avoid being knocked over. You can contact Edit Microsystems and South African National Council for the Blind to find out more or to receive a quote.
Persons who are Blind or have Visual Impairments are also able to play Chess on their computer using various Computer Aids that can assist them. You can either play against a computer by visiting: Play Computer Chess, or you can play online against other players, by visiting: Chess On-line. To find out about Computer Aids that can assist you to be able to play these games online visit our section on Computer Aids.
Scrabble
Scrabble is a word game in which two to four players score points by placing tiles bearing a single letter onto a board divided into a 15×15 grid of squares. The tiles must form words which, in crossword fashion, read left to right in rows or downwards in columns, and can be defined in a standard dictionary. Persons who are Blind or have Visual Impairments are able to play Scrabble as it is played on an easy-access rotating game board with low vision game tiles and bold black extra-large half-inch high letters on a white background. This game is available from Organizations such as The South African National Council for the Blind. You can contact South African National Council for the blind to find out more or to receive a quote. There are also a number of web sites which offer the possibility to play Scrabble online against other users, such as the Internet Scrabble Club and www.pogo.com. To find out more about Computer Aids that can assist you to be able to play these games online visit our section on Computer Aids.
Sudoku Touch
Puzzel's such as Sudoku Touch are great games for persons who are Blind or have Visual Impairments. Sudoku Touch is a puzzle and number game with both braille and large print which is suitable for persons who are Blind or have Visual Impairments. The South African National Council for the blind sells Sudoku Touch Games, you can contact South African National Council for the blind to find out more or to receive a quote.
Super Big Boggle
Super Big Boggle features a super-sized 6 x 6 grid and includes the NEW double letter cube and blank cube for more interesting game play. This game is suitable for persons who are Blind or have Visual Impairments and is sold by Organizations such as The South African National Council for the Blind. You can contact South African National Council for the Blind to find out more or to receive a quote.
Horse Riding & Equestrian Equipment
Horse Riding is available for persons with Visual Impairments in South Africa as a Sport, Hobby and as two forms of Therapy, known as Horse riding Therapy and Hippo Therapy. Working with horses can have a major physical and emotional impact on people with a wide variety of issues and disabilities, including those with Visual Impairments.
Persons who have a Visual Impairment are able to learn to ride or drive independently and compete in equestrian events, they may also participate as part of a vaulting team. Strategies to help persons with Visual Impairments include, use of intercom systems with the instructors, learning to count steps/strides, or auditory markers in the arena. Other Horse Riding and Equestrian Equipment include Saddles, etc.
TV, Sport, Movies, Music & Music Players
Listening to Music & enjoying Television, Movies & Sport are all Hobbies that can still be enjoyed alone or in a group by persons who are Blind or have Visual Impairments. These activities offer a great way to escape from your troubles for a couple of hours & can be both entertaining & inspirational. Thanks to a number of Assistive Devices supplied by Companies such as Edit Microsystems these activities can be made easier to enjoy. Below are a number of these Music Aids which are available:
Victor Reader Stratus4 Daisy MP3 player: This Victor reader is a MP3 Player, which is ideal for playing both music and audio books. It is easy to use and has a user friendly simple interface with 4 navigation keys enabling direction to desired chapters, pages, sections, paragraphs or tracks. The DAISY, MP3 audio books and music CD’s can be to be played through the reader stratus 4, it also bookmarks important locations in each type of book, music file or text document. The built-text to speech (TTS) feature allows the user to make a copy of text documents and then replay it through the built-in speaker or headphone output. It also comes with optional features which makes easy accessibility to most important buttons with the optional keyboard cover. Those who prefer an even simpler operation, use the optional keyboard cover that makes only the most important buttons accessible, and thus simulates a conventional cassette recorder. You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more about this product and the other features it has or to receive a quote.
Victor Reader Stream CD Accessory: This Victor Reader Stream CD Accessory is a device that plays CD’s onto a portable audio playback device. It is an easy way to transfer a collection of CD’s onto a single portable audio device without using a PC.
The device is ideal for users who do not use a PC. The device is a perfect solution to transition from using VR Wave to VR Stream.
The CDCD player accessory especially designed to be used with the VR Stream. This product includes a power adapter and a D-Shaped USB cable. You can contact Edit Microsytems to find out more about this product or to receive a quote.
There are also various other types of products which are available to assist persons with Visual Impairments to watch Movies & Sports events, they include:
Max Glasses: Max Glasses are binocular telescopic glasses which are perfect for watching TV, sporting events, movies, theatre, bird watching, or any other distance viewing activity. These binocular telescope glasses will focus on objects from 10 feet to infinity. They are available from Companies and Organizations such as the South African National Council for the Blind. You can contact the South African National Council for the Blind to receive a quote or to find out more about the products.
There are also various other types of these products which are available from companies such as Edit Microsystems, contact them to see what other types of these products they can supply.
Sowing & Needlework Equipment
Persons with Visual Impairments can still continue to enjoy Sowing & Needle crafts, but they may need the assistance of a few Assistive Devices, or some simple modifications to continue to create the beautiful things that they can use themselves, sell or give as gifts to friends and family members. If you have low vision, you can continue doing needlework by hand using adaptations such as large needles, thimbles, special threading devices, enlarged patterns, dark pattern lines, and a stand magnifier. For machine sewing, needle guards will ensure safety and accuracy, while a Colourina helps to identify different colour fabric. Much of this type of Equipment is available in South Africa from organizations and companies such as Edit Microsystems, the South African National Council for the Blind and Ability Assist. They include products such as:
Threading Helper: This Needle Threading Threader with magnifier is specifically for users with weak eye sight or with use of only one hand. They help with the threading of the needles and are 115 x 65 x 75 mm in size and only weigh 50g. You can contact Ability Assist to find out more or to receive a quote.
A Colourina: The South African National Council for the Blind sells an Assistive Device called a Colourina which identifies colours by holding it against fabric, and a voice identifies the colour. This Assistive Device is useful in Sowing and you can contact the South African National Council for the Blind to receive a quote or find out more about them.
Table Stand Magnifier: The lens can be adjusted for height and angle, and moved into any position for a wide variety of applications. The Base Size is 195 x 130 x 45mm and the Lens Size is 240 x 164mm. It has a weight of 1.4kg and a Magnification of 4x. These Table Stand Magnifiers are available from Companies and Organizations such as Edit Microsystems and Ability Assist. You can contact them to receive a quote or to find out more about these products.
There are also various other types of these products which are available from companies such as Ability Assist and Edit Microsystems, contact them to see what other types of these products they can supply or visit our Reading Aids section below to find out about various Magnifiers that are used to assist persons with Visual Impairments to be able to read.
Reading Aids
Reading is a wonderful hobby and very inexpensive, it provides many benefits and is a hobby that can still be enjoyed by persons with Visual Impairments or even persons who are Blind. With the help of Assistive Devices called Reading Aids, books & reading can still be enjoyed. There are variety of different types of Reading Aids, including Braille Books for Persons who are Blind and able to read braille, or Audio Books for Persons who just wish to enjoy a book. Some Persons With Visually Impairments can read large print books which are available in South Africa, while others can use audio books, if you would rather listen than read. Both Audio and Large Print Books are available to rent from many Libraries around South Africa. It’s also possible to purchase books on tape or download them for from the internet. Computer Aids also assist Persons With Visual Impairments or who are Blind, to be able to enjoy and read books on their computer screens or other electronic devices, while as magnifying equipment can be used to zoom into to make printing in books larger which make it easier for Persons With Visual Impairments to be able to read. To find out more about the different types of Reading Aids that are available from Companies in South Africa, visit our section on Reading Aids.
To view more information about these Assistive Devices and others, view the menu on the left or feel free to Contact Us if you have any questions about the products and Services listed on this page and we will point you in the right direction.