About Low Vision

In 1999, the SIPP survey estimated that 7.3 million people aged 15 and older had difficulty seeing words and letters in ordinary print, even with their glasses on. Of those, only 1.7 million were unable to see words and letters at all leaving 5.6 million in the low vision category.

For individuals whose only impairment is a limitation in seeing, the rate of Internet access is similar to the non-disabled population (53% compared to 61%, respectively). ZoomCaps can be an important enabling factor allowing people with low vision to access the internet and other computer technology.

Computers and access to the Internet allow all individuals with disabilities to be better informed, more connected to the world around them, and in contact with other people with similar interests and experiences. Because communication, the world over, is rapidly converting to a digitized format, it is important that people with disabilities not be left behind. Closing the digital divide for people with disabilities requires planners to determine equipment needs, understand marketing and funding issues, and address training needs. To do all that, research must determine the extent of the problem.