Microprocessor devices to lower the barriers for the blind and visually impaired

Abstract The university-based Working Group on Rehabilitation Engineering (called FORTec) is dedicated to research and development in the field of technical aids for disabled persons. During the last few years, several assistive devices for the blind and visually impaired have been developed. In this paper, three projects of particular scientific and practical relevance will be described: ColorTest—a speech output colour probe for the blind and colour blind. NotaPhon—a braille-input/speech-output note-taker and communication device for the blind. IRIS—an infrared operated information and orientation system for the blind and visually impaired.