Talking calculators have a visual display as well as a voice output. Some calculators announce the keys being pressed in addition to announcing the result of the calculation.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
The use of a talking calculator can be useful for people with a visual impairment or for those who have difficulty processing visual information and may require an auditory reinforcement of actions. It should be noted however, that this could prove a distraction for others in the workplace if a head phone jack is not available.
Office supply stores and specialist stores stock a wide range of different talking calculators including:
- desktop talking calculators with a headphone jack
- large print and talking calculators
- talking scientific calculators
- pocket talking calculators.
(Vision Australia 2007)
Relevant Links:
References:
Centre for Learning Innovation 2008, Neurological disability technology options: Talking calculators, Sydney, viewed 20 March 2008, <http://www.cli.nsw.edu.au/cli/e-learning/Adaptive_technologies/adaptive_tech_neuro_calcs.shtm>.
Vision Australia 2007, Pocket Talking Calculator, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 25 March 2008, <http://www.visionaustralia.org/catalogue/PDesc.aspx?code=ES8575&CID=&CSID=34&SubCategoryName=Mathematics&UType=External&Parent=Default.aspx>.
Vision Australia 2008, Fact sheets: Accessible Calculator Options, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 20 March 2008, <http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1797>.