Specialized Scanning Systems/Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Share

A system that mechanically or electronically translates scanned images of typed or printed text. It offers an alternative means of accessing printed material by converting it into Speech-to-Text or other formats. Some examples of OCR applications include Reading Pens, Portable Reading Cameras, CCTV/Video Magnifiers, and Smart Readers.

  • Sensory
    • Hearing
    • Print
    • Vision
  • Academic
    • Reading
    • Writing

High Tech

Considerations

Take the following considerations into account when selecting and implementing AT to ensure that the chosen tools are well-suited to the student’s needs, align with their goals, and seamlessly integrate into their educational journey. By embracing a collaborative approach and considering the specific skills, tasks, and implementation context, educators can provide students with the necessary support to thrive academically and functionally, promoting inclusivity and fostering their overall success.

Find potential contacts within your LEA and at your ESC for support.

Need Support

Find potential contacts within your LEA and at your ESC for support.

  • Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI): A TVI is a licensed teacher who has received specialized training and certification in meeting the educational needs of students who have visual impairments ages birth to 21 years. This role may involve adapting teaching methods and materials to accommodate the unique needs of students with varying degrees of vision loss. They are skilled in using and teaching students to use assistive technologies such as screen readers, braille displays, and audio books.

What skills or tasks will the student utilize this tool for? What areas, functional or academic, does this tool support?

  • Reading
  • Listening
  • Viewing illustrations

In what activities, classes, or environments will the student utilize this tool?

Specialized scanning systems and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology are designed to help individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities access printed materials more easily. The following includes a breakdown of each: 

  • Specialized scanning systems: These systems typically involve a combination of hardware and software designed to scan printed materials, such as books, documents, or even handwritten notes, and convert them into accessible formats. The hardware component often includes a scanner capable of capturing images of the text, while the software component processes these images to extract the text. 
  • Optical character recognition (OCR): OCR technology is a key component of specialized scanning systems. It is a technology that converts different types of documents, such as scanned paper documents, PDF files, or images captured by a digital camera, into editable and searchable data. OCR software analyzes the shapes, patterns, and structures in the document images to recognize and convert the text into a digital format that can be read by screen readers or other assistive technologies. 

These technologies can be invaluable for individuals with visual impairments as they provide access to printed materials that would otherwise be inaccessible. They can also benefit individuals with other disabilities, such as dyslexia, by providing alternative formats for reading and accessing information.

Resources and Training

CFR 300.324(a)(2)(v) requires the Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD) committee to consider whether a child needs assistive technology devices and services in the development, review, and revision of their IEP. This resource is intended to serve as a repository of the most commonly used AT resources to assist users with understanding the purpose of each AT tool, aspects of use for consideration within IEP development for students, and additional AT implementation resources.

TEA - Texas Education Agency

© Copyright 2024 Texas Education Agency (TEA). All Rights Reserved.