Computer use in schools for the blind in Japan

In a school for the blind, computer use and feelings toward computers by 34 visually impaired students receiving secondary education and by their 42 teachers were investigated with a questionnaire. Most subjects used computers effectively, but some students who had low vision did not wish to use them to avoid strain on their eyes. The computers allowed use of Kanji (Chinese characters) by the blind students, providing a new tool in their learning of Kanji. In classes, it is necessary to maintain and customize the computers continuously.