College life brings new challenges, expectations, and opportunities. But for students with visual impairments, navigating campus and coursework can require additional planning and support. With the right tools, resources, and self-advocacy, you can build a college experience that’s both successful and fulfilling.
This article highlights essential technologies, services, and organizations that can help visually impaired students thrive academically and confidently manage daily campus life.
Facts About Vision Loss and Educational Attainment
Vision loss affects far more Americans than most people realize. According to the latest data from the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), based on the 2023 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), about 51.9 million Americans over the age of 18 say they experience some difficulty with their sight. Of these, about 3.7 million report difficulties even with corrective lenses like glasses and contacts, and about 307,000 report that they cannot see at all.
These aren’t just statistics. They reflect the daily reality for many people, including many college students who are working hard to pursue their education despite their vision challenges.
Educational Attainment for People with Visual Disabilities
Research consistently shows that, while many individuals with visual disabilities begin college or pursue post-secondary education, earning a bachelor’s degree remains comparatively rare. A recent national overview of employment and education outcomes for adults with visual impairments found that only about 15%-16% held a bachelor’s degree or higher. To put that in perspective, about 37%-38% of the general American population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher.
This shortfall has real-world consequences. People with visual impairments who earn a bachelor’s degree are far more likely to be employed than those who do not. Even then, their employment rate remains lower than that of their sighted peers with a similar level of education.
What This Means for Students
Many American adults report some degree of vision loss means that a significant portion of college students may be affected. But the comparatively low rate of bachelor’s degree attainment among visually impaired individuals suggests structural obstacles remain during college, not just in access but in completion. Because higher education has such a strong association with employment and independence for people with visual impairments, improving access to support and accommodations during college is essential for long-term success.
Let’s review the technology and resources for visually impaired students that you can use to enhance productivity and independence during your college journey.
Tools for Visually Impaired Students
When you’re navigating college with low vision or blindness, having the right tools can make a huge difference. Advances in technology mean there are more options than ever before. Below are some of the most useful categories of assistive tools, organized by their purpose.
Magnifiers and Reading Devices
Some of these assistive devices use a camera and screen, so individuals with low vision can magnify text to make it easier to read. There are two primary types of physical magnifiers:
- Handheld/Portable Magnifiers: Compact devices, like “pocket” magnifiers or video-magnifier tablets, make printed text, maps, menus, and course materials far easier to read. Many now come with built-in adjustable cameras and screens, allowing for real-time magnification, contrast adjustment, and even text-to-speech options.
- Desktop or Larger-Screen Magnifiers: For reading physical books, notebooks, or longer documents, desktop magnifiers deliver larger displays and a steadier setup, which can be very helpful during study sessions or while reading textbooks.
When using computers, software magnifiers can dramatically enlarge on-screen content. Many operating systems have built-in tools that you can find under the accessibility settings, or you can look at third-party options like ZoomText, SuperNova, MAGic, and more.
Screen Readers, OCR Tools, and Accessible Text
Higher education has become very tech-based, and there are several types of software and tools you can use to make your college experience more accessible. These include:
- Screen Readers: Screen readers read text on a screen aloud to visually impaired or blind users. As with software magnifiers, many devices have built-in screen-reading options that you can find under the accessibility settings. You can also pursue third-party options; Job Access With Speech (JAWS) is particularly common, but there are other options as well.
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Tools: OCR tools let students scan printed pages, forms, handouts, and even handwritten notes, and convert them into accessible text. This text can then be read allowed or displayed via Braille. These are a great option for textbooks, syllabi, and other printed campus materials.
- Reading and Note-Taking Apps: Apps like Evernote, Joplin, and Be My Eyes provide a suite of services to help make textbooks, notes, and daily tasks more accessible.
These technologies are especially useful when course materials or campus resources aren’t provided in accessible formats.
Braille, Writing, and Output Tools
Students who prefer to use Braille or who need additional output tools have a few different options. These include:
- Braille Displays and Note Takers: Newer portable Braille devices allow students to read and write in Braille digitally, and they often include built-in editors, book reading software, and basic productivity tools. This can make it far easier to keep up with assignments.
- Braille-Compatible Keyboards or Keyboard Overlays: For students who prefer tactile input, Braille keyboards or keyboards with Braille overlays or stickers can make typing assignments or papers much more manageable.
- Talking Calculators and Accessible STEM Tools: For science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) courses, calculators with speech output or tactile feedback are often essential. There are also specialized tools and accessible math software that can integrate with screen readers or Braille displays, making STEM coursework more feasible for visually-impaired students.
Matching Tools To Individual Needs
No single tool works for everyone. What’s right for you depends on several factors:
- Type and Degree of Vision Loss: Someone with low vision may benefit most from screen magnifiers, while a fully blind student may rely more on screen readers or Braille displays.
- Course Load and Discipline: STEM-heavy coursework may require specialized math tools, like talking calculators or tactile displays, while humanities or reading-intensive courses will rely more on screen readers, text-to-speech tools, and digital textbooks.
- Lifestyle and Mobility Needs: If you live on a large campus, travel between buildings, or study in varied environments, tools like Ariadne GPS can help you navigate more easily.
- Budget and Campus Services: Many colleges provide or subsidize assistive technology through their disability services. For newer tech, the prices are higher, but you may qualify for grants or scholarships to help cover the cost.
Tips for Managing College Life
Successfully navigating college with a visual impairment requires not only the right tools but also strong self-advocacy skills. Before choosing a school, take time to learn about each school’s accessibility services and ask how they support visually impaired students. A college that offers comprehensive accommodations, accessible course materials, and responsive support can make a meaningful difference in your day-to-day experience.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504, colleges must provide equal access to academics, housing, and campus life. Understanding your rights helps you request the accommodations you need.
Once you’ve chosen a school, there are several ways you can set yourself up for success:
- Register early with disability services to receive accommodation letters, secure assistive technology, and clarify available support.
- Have your tools ready on day one, whether these are screen readers, magnifiers, note-taking devices, organizational apps, or a combination of the above.
- Explore campus offerings, such as accessibility clubs, peer mentors, and mobility resources.
- Take advantage of free tutoring and academic support centers to stay on track with coursework.
- Practice strong time management, using planners or digital tools to organize your assignments.
- Join study groups to build accountability and connection.
- Stay engaged socially; campus events and organizations can help you build community.
Your health and well-being also play a major role in your academic success. Visit your campus health center early in the semester to learn about available services. Many colleges offer:
- Nutrition workshops and wellness programs
- Accessible or adaptive fitness options
- Free or low-cost mental health counseling
Take time to explore campus dining options as well. Some cafeterias offer healthier menus or allergen-friendly choices that can help you maintain energy and focus.
By pairing practical planning with advocacy and self-care, you can thrive academically and enjoy a full, connected college experience.
Important Organizations
While independence is an essential part of the college experience, no student can succeed alone. Connecting with national organizations that support people with visual impairments can provide training, community, and practical tools to make college life more manageable. These groups offer everything from accessible learning resources to mobility training, advocacy support, and career guidance:
- American Foundation for the Blind: A nonprofit offering research, online courses, technology guidance, and resources for students and families navigating vision loss.
- Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ASB): Provides rehabilitation programs, skills training, and adaptive technology support.
- The Chicago Lighthouse: Offers a range of services, including a low-vision clinic, assistive technology training, independent living resources, and employment readiness programs.
- Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB): Supports students with college prep courses, mobility and daily-living training, job placement assistance, and more.
- National Association of Blind Students (NABS): A student-led division that provides mentorship, advocacy training, leadership opportunities, and state-level connections for blind and low-vision college students.
Visual Accessibility: What ASU Demonstrates Well
Arizona State University provides a strong model for accessible learning environments, as outlined in their visual impairment accessibility guide. Their approach emphasizes more than just assistive tools — it focuses on designing course materials and digital spaces that work for visually impaired students from the start. Key practices like high-contrast text, screen-reader-friendly formatting, image alt-text, and accessible math content ensure that lectures, documents, and online platforms are usable for students with low vision or blindness. By prioritizing tactile and auditory alternatives when visual materials fall short, and by building content with accessibility in mind, ASU demonstrates how thoughtful design can create a more equitable and inclusive academic experience.
Partner with Trusted Ophthalmologists
Supporting your eye health is essential throughout college. Regular care from knowledgeable specialists can help you manage changes in vision and stay confident in your daily life. The ophthalmologists at Barnet Dulaney Perkins have extensive experience treating visual impairments and are committed to providing personalized, compassionate care. If you’re ready to take the next step in your vision journey, contact Barnet Dulaney Perkins to schedule an appointment.