This textbook excerpt explores the multifaceted field of assistive technology designed to support individuals with blindness and low vision. It details how different devices, from accessible GPS systems and video magnifiers to tactile displays, can restore independence in daily activities like mobility, education, and employment. The authors emphasize a user-driven approach, arguing that successful design must prioritize ergonomic ease and the specific physiological needs of the person. Beyond hardware, the text examines the stages of visual processing—including optical, retinal, and neural functions—to explain how specific impairments like AMD or glaucoma impact functional vision. Ultimately, the source provides a holistic overview of current rehabilitative practices and the scientific theory behind sensory substitution.

