title: Assistive technology and home modification for people with neurovisual deficits.
abstract: People with neurovisual deficits from acquired brain injuries and other neurological disabilities can benefit from the array of assistive technologies and home modifications available to the larger vision impairment population, especially when symptoms are mild and associated neurological conditions are few. Optics, proper lighting, and magnification to increase the perceived size of both objects and reading material and to improve contrast sensitivity have been shown to be beneficial. Innovative technologies, universally designed for safe independent living and community participation are gradually developing and show promise for addressing the needs of this population. This article highlights technologies that may be useful for people with neurovisual deficits and describes the evidence to support their training and use. The use of various types of eyewear to reduce falls; prisms and telescopic lenses to improve visual attention and minimize the impact of visual field deficits; and technologies to improve computer use, wayfinding, and home safety are discussed. While there remains substantial need for further research and development focusing on the needs of people with vision impairments from neurological conditions, practitioners can use technology with caution to improve functional outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. copolillo@vcu.edu
authors.forename: Al
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Copolillo
authors.forename: Synneve Dahlin
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Ivanoff
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D001288:Attention; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D003201:Computers; D005139:Eyeglasses; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D006794:Household Articles; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D007909:Lenses; D008029:Lighting; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D010468:Perceptual Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011932:Reading; D012449:Safety; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D012984:Software; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014794:Visual Fields; D014796:Visual Perception