Introduction:

Assistive Technology’s Function in 2025

According to WHO 2025, 87% of teachers now use assistive technology to create inclusive classrooms, and 2.2 billion people worldwide have vision impairments. These technologies, which range from tactile braille displays to AI-powered smart glasses, are revolutionising education by empowering visually impaired students to succeed academically and access information on their own.

This 2,500+ word guide looks at:

• 12 state-of-the-art assistive technologies, both software and hardware How AI and VR are transforming accessibility
• Tools tailored to STEM, languages, and the arts
• FAQs from students and teachers
• 2025 resource toolkit for free

1. Smart glasses with AI capabilities

2025 Model of Envision Glasses

Qualities:

• Text reading in real time (books, screens, signs) One
• Object recognition (identifies products, labels currency)
• AI-powered live video support that links to human assistants
• Use in the classroom: Perfect for reading printed handouts or conducting lab experiments.

Observing Microsoft’s AI

2025 Improvements:

• Description of the scene (e.g., “Your teacher is writing on the board”)
• Colour recognition (names shades 98% of the time) 9.

2. Tools for Navigation

Tool	Key Feature	Benefit
WeWALK Smart Cane	Ultrasonic sensors + smartphone GPS	Avoids overhead obstacles 1
Biped Harness	3D cameras + vibration alerts	Guides users in busy streets 1
Google Lookout	Identifies doors, stairs, and elevators	Enhances campus mobility 9

3. Magnification & Screen Readers

Top Software for 2025

• AI-powered PDF parsing for intricate textbooks is added in JAWS 2025.
• NVDA: A free open-source program that integrates Voicemeeter to produce audio that is clearer 12.
• ZoomText Fusion: For users with low vision, it combines speech and magnification 12.

4. Technology for Braille

Reader 20 Orbit

• Affordable 20-cell refreshable braille display
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity 1

BrailleNote Touch Plus

• Braille keyboard on an Android tablet
• STEM applications for science and math 1

Graphics that are tactile

• Raised-line diagrams are produced using swell-form paper.
• 3D printers create tactile representations of molecules and cells 12

5. Educational Mobile Apps

App	Function	Best For
Be My Eyes	Live video help from volunteers	Reading labels, navigating spaces 9
Supersense	Scans documents + barcodes	Library research 9
KNFB Reader	Converts printed text to speech/braille	Homework assignments 3

6. Learning Platforms That Are Accessible

• Bookshare: Provides over a million books in audio and braille formats (free for students in the United States). 12.
• Learning Ally: Textbooks with human narration and chapter indexing 12.
• Khan Academy: Videos with audio descriptions for STEM subjects 3.

7. Taking Notes and Organising

Intelligent Pens

• Livescribe Echo 3: Connects audio recordings 3 and handwritten notes (through tactile dots).
• Digital Notetakers in Braille
• Word/Excel 1 and Google Drive are supported by BrailleSense 6.

Voice-Activated Helpers

• Amazon Alexa Edu: Responds to homework queries, reads textbooks out loud, and sets reminders.

8. Tools Particular to STEM

Coding without visuals

• Code Jumper: Learn Python and JavaScript 4 using tangible blocks.
• VS Code + NVDA: IDE 4 that is screen reader-friendly.
• Kits for Tactile Science
  Raised-line periodic tables and anatomy diagrams are included in APH’s Tactile Graphics Kit 12.

9. Support for Teachers and Schools

Accommodations for IEPs

• More time for braille readers
• Other formats (like audio tests)
• Staff 12 receive assistive technology training

Tips for Classroom Design

• Make use of materials with a lot of contrast (black text on yellow).
• Place chairs close to outlets so that devices can be charged.

FAQs

2025 Resource Toolkit for Free

• IEP checklist
• Comparison chart for assistive technology
• Schedule of webinars for teacher training