As a student with low vision, one of the most impactful investments my family made when I was preparing for college transition was ensuring that I had access to high-tech assistive technology that would support me in my studies for years to come. Visually impaired students are often advised to build a “technology toolbox” that includes a collection of consumer technologies (mainstream devices), software, apps, peripheral accessories, and other items that will enable access to coursework and information, but it can be challenging to figure out what devices to prioritize, how to choose technology for a specific task, or how to incorporate technology into daily routines and workflows (which connects to compensatory skills and the Expanded Core Curriculum).
I love to read about how other low vision students and blind students use assistive technology and other accessibility settings in college, as it gives me ideas for how to build my own technology toolbox and figure out what might work for me. I wrote the first version of this post about how I use technology with low vision in my dorm room back in 2017, and this updated post provides more practical resources for visually impaired students and strategies for building a college technology toolbox for low vision access that can be used for years to come. While I do mention some software and apps that I use, most of this post focuses on hardware and the devices I use.
Visual impairment is a spectrum, not a binary, and there are many factors that can influence individual access needs and preferences. This is not the only possible college technology toolbox for low vision, and working with an assistive technology specialist can be a great way for students to develop an understanding of how to integrate technology into their individual workflows.
The key to using multiple devices: being platform agnostic
Platform agnostic refers to software, applications, and services that can be used across multiple operating systems, devices, or web browsers, instead of only being available on a single device or operating system; this is sometimes called cross-platform support. While there are some instances where cross-platform software is not available or practical to use (e.g., screen readers like JAWS and screen magnification software is typically designed for a single operating system), I try to choose tools that I can access on my computer, tablet, and phone so that I don’t have to rely on a specific device to access essential tools.
Some examples of platform-agnostic applications that I have installed across all of my devices include:
- Microsoft 365 applications (such as Word, OneNote, and PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace applications on phone and tablet (such as Docs and Slides)
- Kagi Search
- Multiple web browsers, including Edge and Brave on all devices
- LocalSend file sharing
- Amazon Kindle
- Scanmarker Air software
Another strategy I frequently use for accessing platform-agnostic tools is web applications, which are designed to run inside the web browser and do not require additional downloads. I often access web applications on my computer like to-do list apps, which sync with the apps that I have installed on my phone and/or tablet. I often find it easier to enlarge the font of web applications compared to mobile applications as well.
Related links
- How I Use Microsoft OneNote With Low Vision
- Implementing Shared Folders For Accessible Materials
- My Experience Using Kagi Search With Low Vision
- My Favorite Web Browser Extensions For Low Vision and CVI: Reducing Visual Fatigue
- Customize Microsoft Edge Accessibility For Low Vision
- ScanMarker Air: OCR Scanner Pen for Low Vision
- Amazon Kindle App and Low Vision Accessibility
Choosing a computer operating system
Even if a student has access to multiple types of devices (computer, phone, tablet, etc.), they will often have a primary device that they use for the vast majority of their classes. For most students with visual impairments, this will be a computer that can be used with any required software and/or assistive technologies like screen readers or screen magnification. Computers are often used for completing assignments, accessing online or hybrid classes, and taking exams.
Some majors have specific requirements for operating systems or computer models or will provide technical requirements for individual classes; I never encountered any barriers with using Windows/Microsoft products in my classes, but some students who used Macs needed additional tech support. For most visually impaired students, I would not recommend using a Chromebook in college.
More than anything, it is important to verify that applications or software required for school or testing/assessments can be accessed on their computer’s operating system so that they won’t have to switch between multiple devices or use an unfamiliar device for testing. For example, a computer with ChromeOS may not be permitted if a student is required to use the desktop version of a Microsoft application for an exam.
Related links
- Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Computers
- Must-Have Tech Skills For Online Classes
- Low Vision Accessibility Settings For Mac Computers
- Low Vision Accessibility Settings For Windows 10 and 11
Desktop computer or desktop workstation for laptop
As an undergraduate student, all of my classes used a learning management system (LMS) like Blackboard or Canvas for accessing homework, class assignments, lectures, readings, and more. The vast majority of my assignments involved typing in some capacity, whether it was typing answers in a Word document, writing code, or responding to discussion board posts. This was usually done outside of class time back at my desk.
Having a desktop computer or desktop workstation is extremely helpful for students with low vision, especially when reading information in large print, working with IDEs or other programs that have visually dense layouts, using keyboard shortcuts, and when typing for long periods of time. Some students may prefer to have a standalone desktop computer to use outside of class, while others may prefer to connect their laptop to a desktop workstation with an external monitor(s), keyboard, mouse, webcam, and/or microphone.
My current setup is a desktop workstation; I have a Surface Dock that connects to the following peripherals:
- 27-inch monitor (VP275-4K)
- Keys-U-See large print keyboard
- Wireless mouse (Logitech M650)
- Two adjustable webcams
- Blue Yeti microphone
I previously used a standalone desktop computer when I was in undergrad, as I didn’t bring a laptop to many of my classes since they took place in the computer lab. I needed the extra RAM and storage since I would frequently use multiple applications simultaneously, and my previous laptop was very slow when compiling code or when I was navigating between multiple windows. My previous desktop computer was an all-in-one model with a built-in monitor, but students with low vision may prefer the mix-and-match approach of a desktop workstation.
Related links
- Create A Personal Accessibility Checklist for Low Vision
- How I Document Accessibility Preferences With Low Vision
- Pre-Teaching Programming Languages To Visually Impaired Students
- Computer Mice and Mouse Alternatives For Low Vision
- How I Set Up My College Desk With Low Vision
- Questions To Ask When Choosing A Desktop Computer For College
- A to Z of Screen Magnification For Low Vision
Choosing a laptop for college with low vision
There have been some semesters where I use my laptop more often in classes compared to others, mostly because a lot of my classes took place in a computer lab. After I noticed that I was frequently making mistakes when typing in class, I started bringing an external keyboard and mouse to connect to my laptop to help with notetaking, using keyboard shortcuts for programs, and reducing errors. I also would connect an external camera or video magnifier that could be used to enlarge the board. Other than magnification, I mostly used my laptop to take notes in class or for group projects.
I chose a Surface laptop because there are so many accessibility features available and I can use the Surface Dock to easily create a desktop workstation at home. I frequently refer to the Designed For Surface program when selecting peripheral devices and accessories since they provide a straightforward set-up process and are tested for accessibility.
Related links
- Questions To Ask When Choosing A Laptop For College
- Designed For Surface | Microsoft
- How To Make Things On The Board Easier To See
- Computer Lab Accommodations For Low Vision Students
- Using A Laptop In High School With Low Vision
- Ten Lessons My TVI Taught Me
iPad for college classes
As a student with low vision, I use my iPad to read textbooks, take notes in classrooms with small desk sizes, write on top of files, look up information online, send emails, and so much more. My iPad is often next to my laptop or desktop workstation, and I consider it an essential part of my college technology toolbox, just like a computer. I also use the Magic keyboard and Apple Pencil as peripheral accessories, and have a cable to connect the iPad to my computer monitor.
While I use my iPad all the time, it isn’t very practical to use as my primary device for college or as a replacement for a computer, because I have trouble with multitasking and quickly switching between applications, which makes it challenging to write papers or take notes from readings. The iPad is also slower than my computer, and doesn’t support all of the software I need for my classes. That said, I can easily sync my iPad and computer so I can work on files across multiple devices, or join a video call from my computer/tablet and use the other device during a meeting.
I also have a onePlus Tab with an external keyboard and stylus, which is an Android tablet that is slightly larger than the iPad. I use this tablet a lot in my graduate research assistant job and when working with students that use Android tablets, but prefer the iPad accessibility features for low vision over the Android tablet.
Related links
- How To Make iPad Accessible for Low Vision
- Choosing An iPad Keyboard For Low Vision
- How I Use The Apple Pencil With Low Vision
- How To Use Hover Text For iPad With Low Vision
- Ten Questions To Ask When Buying Digital Textbooks
- How I Organize Emails In College With Low Vision
- Options For Attending College Classes Remotely
- Apple and iOS Archives | Veronica With Four Eyes
Screen mirroring and second monitors for low vision
I have a smart TV in my room that supports Chromecast/Google Cast protocol for screen sharing, which makes it easy to mirror websites, smaller devices, or apps directly to the larger TV screen. This has been incredibly useful for watching lectures and taking notes on a separate device, as well as for video calls and virtual events.
Another strategy that has been super helpful for college classes is using a tablet as a second monitor that can connect to the computer. For iPad and Mac computers, the Sidecar feature converts iPad into a second screen, which can be used seamlessly with supported devices; this is different from Universal Control that connects a mouse or keyboard to the iPad. For users with an Android tablet, I have used tools like Samsung Second Screen and Spacedesk to convert tablets into second monitors for Windows; Spacedesk can also be used with an iPad on a Windows PC.
When I use my Android tablet as a second screen, I use a USB-C to USB-C cable since my monitor supports USB-C output. Using a tablet as a second monitor has been super helpful for online classes and video calls, but I have trouble using screen magnification software on the tablet screen.
Related links
- How I Use Google Chromecast With Low Vision
- Use an iPad as a second display for a Mac – Apple Support
- spacedesk by datronicsoft
- Using Tablet as a Second Monitor (PDF from WashU)
- How To Organize and Identify Cords For Low Vision
Smartphones as assistive technology in class
There are several apps on my Android smartphone that I rely on for accessing college classes, including multi-factor authentication apps for logging in, video magnifier apps that turn the device camera into a magnification tool, and scanning apps for taking pictures of the board or other handouts. I also use tools like Live Transcribe for captioning and visual assistance apps for recognizing text, in addition to GPS apps and visual interpreting tools for navigating college campuses.
My phone is definitely one of those devices that gets used in some classes more often than others. For example, I would use my phone at pep band rehearsal to enlarge signs, turn on metronome apps, respond to texts from other band members, zoom in on music, or check game scores at events. In my data science classes, my phone would be used for taking pictures of the whiteboard, performing quick web searches, as a calculator, enlarging content when screen magnification was not working properly, or to write down assignment information, but largely stayed in my pocket or backpack on Do Not Disturb so that I didn’t distracted by texts or calls.
My phone is often an easy option for accessing information with low vision, even if the screen is smaller than my tablet. I often get questions about how I keep my phone from being a distraction or being used for non-academic purposes in class, and some strategies I have used include:
- Turning on screen time restrictions, usage notifications, Do Not Disturb, and other content-blocking tools to regulate how much time I spend on the phone
- Waiting to read or respond to texts from friends until after class. I discovered that I missed university emergency notifications when I muted all texts, which caused its own set of issues, so I try to be mindful about not paying attention to texts unless it is something urgent and time-sensitive.
- I don’t have social media apps installed on my phone. Because I have a brain condition triggered by flashing lights, it’s not safe for me to scroll most social media apps or watch videos without having someone screen them first.
- If I need to keep my phone out for class, I place it on a portable stand, which makes it easier to see the screen and also helps prevent me from checking it mindlessly since I have to take it off the stand.
Most of my professors do not allow students to use phones during class unless they have a pre-approved reason or a Disability Services file; I typically show my professors how I use my phone as assistive technology at the beginning of the semester so that they understand what I am using it for.
Related links
- How I Use My Phone As Assistive Technology In Class
- Smartphone Apps For Orientation and Mobility
- Navigating College Campuses Archives | Veronica With Four Eyes
- All About Visual Assistance Apps For Visually Impaired
- Using Google Live Transcribe With Low Vision
- Make Android Easier To See With Large Print Apps
- Accessible Metronome Apps For Low Vision
- How I Keep Track of Assignments With Low Vision
Using an eReader in college
Backlit screens can contribute to visual fatigue after a while, especially when it comes to long readings. I love my e-Ink eReader for accessing books, class readings, and other files that I can sideload (transfer) from my computer or tablet to the eReader for portable, offline access. One feature I really like for the Kindle specifically is that I can use Send-to-Kindle with Word documents; I can send copies of papers to the Kindle and proofread them with larger font sizes, and I often spot mistakes or errors that I might not have picked up on when reading from my computer.
I don’t use the e-Ink display to read image-heavy content like textbooks or cookbooks, or for fixed layout content like PDFs or picture books. I prefer to read those on my iPad so I can position the screen underneath the lined bifocal in my glasses.
Related links
- Mainstream eReader Apps and Low Vision Accessibility
- How I Use My eReader For School and Online Classes
- Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: eReaders
- E-Ink Displays and Low Vision Accessibility
- Sideloading and Low Vision
- How I Use Send-To-Kindle With Low Vision
- Accessing Online Readings For College Classes
Smart speakers in college dorms
When I lived on-campus, I set up an Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker for screen-free access to information, so that I didn’t get distracted by other screens or apps. Some of the many roles that the Echo Dot plays in my tech toolbox include:
- Talking clock for checking the time, setting alarms, setting timers
- Weather notifications
- Voice-input calculator
- Talking dictionary, thesaurus, spell check
- Random number generator, dice, pick a random color
- Reminder list or to-do list
- Answering questions that come up while writing or in conversation with others
- Playing music or background sounds
Now that I don’t live in a dorm, my Echo Dot is also used with smart plugs and smart lightbulbs to control the lighting in my room; to set these up in a dorm, check the college/university website for instructions on adding devices to the WiFi network.
Related links
- Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Smart Speakers
- Auditory Access Archives | Veronica With Four Eyes
- How To Create A Custom Dorm Skill With Amazon Alexa
- Background Sounds and Ambient Audio for Low Vision
- Accessible Flashcards For Low Vision
External keyboard for keyboard access
I mention external keyboards several times throughout this post, but wanted to give them their own section as well. I didn’t realize how much I was straining my eyes to read software menus or perform tasks on my computer until I started using hotkeys/keyboard shortcuts more frequently. The ideal technology toolbox for low vision will incorporate options for both visual access and nonvisual access, and keyboards are a key component for both, especially since screen readers are optimized for keyboard access. I primarily used a wired keyboard at my desktop workstation, and have a second keyboard that goes in my backpack on computer lab days or when I need to do a lot of typing in class.
Related links
- Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Keyboards
- My Most-Used Keyboard Shortcuts For Academic Writing
- How To Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows
Other components of my college technology toolbox for low vision
- I have bone-conducting headphones that I use to listen to text-to-speech or screen readers in class. Learn more in Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Headphones
- Assistive technology is more than high-tech devices! Some other examples that I use in college include Magnifying Glasses For Low Vision and How I Use Dry-Erase Boards With Low Vision
- Learning how to use assistive technology is an ongoing process, and I still learn new strategies all the time. I share what I wish I learned sooner in What I Wish I Learned About Assistive Technology Before Starting College and What I Wish I Learned About Assistive Technology Before Starting Grad School
- Interested in learning more about assistive technology for low vision? Read A to Z of Assistive Technology For Low Vision
Published July 12, 2017. Updated June 2026