Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired: Types, Costs

Assistive technology for the visually impaired is any device, software or app that helps a blind or low-vision person read, write, use a computer or phone, and get around: screen readers, magnifiers, refreshable braille displays, braille notetakers, smart glasses, apps, phones and watches. US law defines it broadly: "The term "assistive technology device" means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." (29 U.S.C. 3002). Prices run from free, for the screen readers built into every phone and computer, to more than $15,000 for the most expensive braille device on a New York State contract price list. This guide goes category by category, with what each one does, what it costs in the US and who can help pay for it. No product here is ranked or recommended.

Key points

• A lot of it is free. NVDA, Narrator, VoiceOver and TalkBack read the screen aloud at no cost; Windows, Apple devices and Android all have a screen magnifier built in.
• Handheld magnifiers are the cheapest device. At MaxiAids, 157 of 161 handheld magnifiers cost $80 or less; the median was $27.50 (MaxiAids).
• Braille costs the most. A 20-cell braille display starts at $899 (Orbit Research), and braille notetakers list at $4,695 to $6,199 (NYS contract list).
• Try before you buy. Every state has an assistive technology program that lends devices for a short time (ACL).
• Others often pay. State vocational rehabilitation agencies, schools and APH's Federal Quota, the VA, the NLS and iCanConnect can each provide equipment to the people they serve.

Assistive technology at a glance

Sources: Vispero, MaxiAids, MaxiAids video magnifiers, NYS contract list, NLS, Orbit Research, Meta, eSight, Aira, Apple, MaxiAids phones, MaxiAids watches. Prices change; check the seller before you buy.

Screen readers

A screen reader reads out what's on a computer or phone screen and lets you control it from the keyboard or with gestures. It can also send the text to a braille display. The main ones:

• NVDA (Windows): "The NVDA screen reader can be downloaded free of charge by anyone." (NV Access).
• Narrator (Windows): "Narrator is a screen-reading application that's built into Windows 11" (Microsoft).
• VoiceOver (Mac, iPhone and iPad): Apple says it "tells you exactly what's happening on your screen audibly, in braille, or both" (Apple).
• TalkBack (Android): "TalkBack is the Google screen reader included on Android devices." (Google).
• JAWS (Windows, paid): on Vispero's US store, the JAWS Home Annual license costs $104.50 a year and a JAWS Home perpetual license $1,572. Professional licenses run $926 to $1,003 a year, or $2,316.50 for a perpetual license (Vispero).

Who pays: most screen readers are free. A paid license for work can be part of what a state vocational rehabilitation agency provides (see who pays). Our guide to screen readers for the blind compares them one by one.

Magnifiers for low vision

Magnifiers are for people who still use their sight. VisionAware, a service of APH, splits them into two groups: "Traditional optical devices, which include powerful handheld magnifiers, stand magnifiers, strong magnifying reading glasses, and small telescopes" and electronic magnifiers (VisionAware). The AFB adds that "Low vision optical devices are task-specific." (AFB): one person may use a different device for reading mail, seeing a price tag and watching a whiteboard.

Both organizations point to a low vision specialist for choosing one. In VisionAware's words, "This low vision specialist conducts a comprehensive eye exam and low vision exam and then prescribes devices that directly address your personal goals."

Handheld magnifiers for low vision

A handheld magnifier is a lens with a handle, often with a light. According to VisionAware, it is for quick reading on the go, such as a menu in a dim restaurant or a label in a store: "They come in pocket sizes and often feature a built-in bright light." The AFB says "Magnifying devices are generally either handheld or mounted on a stand, with zoom ranges from 2x to 10x."

Price: The US store MaxiAids listed 161 handheld magnifiers on October 29, 2026. 157 of them cost $80 or less, from about $1 for a card magnifier to $79.95 for lighted models; the median price was $27.50. The rest were two multi-magnifier kits ($275 and $295) and two digital handheld magnifiers ($795 and $845) (MaxiAids).

Stand magnifiers rest on the page, which helps if holding a lens steady is hard: "You place the magnifier directly on the page, and the lens automatically sets the focus for you." (VisionAware).

Video magnifiers (CCTV)

Video magnifiers, also called electronic magnifiers or CCTVs, put a camera over the page: "These devices use a camera to capture an image and then display a highly magnified, high-contrast version on a screen." They can magnify much more than a lens, "often exceeding 70x." (VisionAware). There are two kinds:

• Handheld or portable: "Portable Video Magnifiers: These are smaller, battery-powered devices with screens ranging from 3 to 13 inches."
• Desktop: "Desktop Video Magnifiers: These stationary units feature a large screen and a built-in platform where you place your reading material."

Sources: MaxiAids, NYS contract list (Vis-Ability Inc., February 23, 2026).

A phone can do a simpler version of the same job. Apple says its Magnifier app "works like a digital magnifying glass" using the iPhone or iPad camera (Apple).

Screen magnification software

These programs enlarge what's on a computer or phone screen:

• Windows: Magnifier is "built into Windows 11, so there's nothing to download or install" (Microsoft).
• Apple: "Zoom is a screen magnifier that lets you enlarge the content you see on your device." (Apple).
• Android: "You can zoom or magnify to see your Android device's screen better." (Google).
• ZoomText (Windows, paid): the ZoomText Magnifier/Reader Home Annual license costs $93.50 a year and the perpetual license $1,259. Fusion, which combines ZoomText and JAWS, starts at $187 a year (Vispero).

Who pays for magnifiers: for a veteran, the VA (below). For a student, the school or the Federal Quota. For a job, the state VR agency. Your state's assistive technology program may lend you one to try first.

Refreshable braille displays

A refreshable braille display has a row of cells whose pins rise and fall to show text in braille, usually from a phone or computer. The NLS describes them as "devices with small pins that electronically move up and down through holes representing a braille cell." (NLS). Price depends mostly on the number of cells.

Sources: NLS, Orbit Research, APH Chameleon 20, APH Mantis Q40, NYS contract list. The most expensive braille device on that list, HumanWare's Monarch, lists at $15,500.

Who pays: the NLS lends its eReaders: "NLS patrons can obtain NLS Braille eReaders free of charge." Both models have "20 braille cells, Perkins-style keyboards, internal memory" and more. "Interested NLS patrons should ask their network library about the availability of these devices." (NLS). For students, APH marks the Chameleon 20 and the Mantis Q40 as "Federal Quota Eligible" on their product pages, though "Extended warranties cannot be purchased using Federal Quota funds." (APH). Our guide to refreshable braille displays explains cells, connections and how to choose.

Braille notetakers

A braille notetaker is a braille device that works on its own, with its own apps for notes, files and more, rather than only as a screen for a phone or computer. Some displays do both: APH says students can use the Chameleon 20 "as a stand-alone notetaker, or as a braille display to edit assignments on the computer" (APH), and the Orbit Reader 20 Plus has a "Note-taker mode – take notes and edit files" (Orbit Research).

Full notetakers cost more. List prices on the New York State contract list:

• BrailleSense 6 Mini (HIMS): $4,695
• Braille Sense 6, 32 cells (HIMS): $5,895
• BrailleNote Evolve 20 (HumanWare): $5,199
• BrailleNote Evolve 32 (HumanWare): $6,199

Source: NYS contract list (Vis-Ability Inc., February 23, 2026).

Apple has added a software version: Braille Access "turns iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Vision Pro into a full-featured braille notetaker" when a braille device is connected (Apple).

Smart glasses

Smart glasses have a camera and speakers. Depending on the model, they read text aloud, describe what's in front of you, connect you to a sighted helper or, for people with some vision, enlarge what you're looking at.

• Meta AI glasses: Meta's US store showed its AI glasses starting at $224, with the Meta Glasses, Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta styles from $299 to $499 (Meta). Meta's page for blind and low-vision users describes a Be My Eyes partnership: you say "Hey Meta, Be My Eyes" to call a sighted volunteer (Meta).
• eSight Go, for people with some remaining vision: "MSRP is $4,950 USD / $6,600 CAD". eSight offers a 7-day trial at home for $250, deducted from the price if you buy (eSight).
• Patriot ViewPoint Low Vision Glasses: $3,495 list on the New York State contract list (NYS contract list).

Who pays: eSight says "Many Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offices cover eSight Go—and cover it at 100% of the cost." (eSight); that is the maker's statement, so ask your VA office. Envision Glasses, OrCam and how each one works are covered in smart glasses for blind people.

Apps

Phone apps now do much of what used to need a separate device:

• Be My Eyes connects you with sighted volunteers by video call. "It's free, easy to use and always there for you." (Be My Eyes).
• Seeing AI: "Seeing AI is a free app that narrates the world around you." (Seeing AI).
• Lookout (Android): "It uses your device's camera and sensors to recognize objects and text but also describes what it finds in the viewfinder." (Google).
• Aira connects you with trained visual interpreters. Personal plans run from "$26 USD/month" for 20 minutes to $1,160 a month for 880 minutes shared by up to five people, and "Aira is free to use in many Access Locations" (Aira).

More apps, by task, in apps for blind people.

Phones

Any recent iPhone or Android phone can be used without sight, because VoiceOver and TalkBack come built in. On Apple's US store, the iPhone 17e starts at $699 (Apple). For people who prefer physical buttons, phones made for blind users speak every menu; MaxiAids sells the BlindShell Classic 3 for $790, against a list price of $869 (MaxiAids). Our guide to phones for blind people compares both approaches.

Watches

Talking watches say the time out loud at the press of a button; braille watches have a crystal that flips open so you can feel the hands. On October 29, 2026, MaxiAids listed 108 talking watches from $15.95 to $77.83 and 34 braille watches from $39.75 to $259.95 (MaxiAids talking watches, MaxiAids braille watches). Smartwatches that can speak the time are another option; see watches for the blind.

Who pays for assistive technology in the US

Devices are expensive, but in the US several public programs provide them to the people they serve. Each sets its own eligibility rules, and most decide case by case.

Try before you buy: state assistive technology programs

Under the federal AT Act, "The program provides one grant to each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the outlying areas (American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands)." (ACL). The most useful service for most people: "AT Device Loan activities allow individuals to borrow AT for a limited time period to try out and determine if a device will meet their needs before a purchase is made." These programs also reuse devices; the law covers "the exchange, repair, recycling, or other reutilization of assistive technology devices" (29 U.S.C. 3003). Their financing activities do not pay for a person's device directly: the law says they "shall not include direct payment for such a device or service for an individual with a disability".

Work: vocational rehabilitation

The services a state VR agency can provide include "rehabilitation technology, including telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices" (29 U.S.C. 723). To qualify, "individuals must have a physical or mental impairment that results in a substantial impediment to employment and who require and can benefit from VR services to achieve employment and maximize career goals." (RSA).

"Some states may have more than one VR agency, one for individuals who are blind and one for all other individuals with disabilities." RSA lists all 78 on its state VR agencies page. Our guide to organizations for the blind explains how to find each service in your state.

School: the IEP and APH's Federal Quota

For a student with an IEP, federal law tells the IEP team to "consider whether the child needs assistive technology devices and services." (20 U.S.C. 1414).

APH's Federal Quota adds a second source. "Educators and parents can use these funds to obtain specialized educational products and materials for students who are blind or low vision." Devices are often lent: "Most Trustees use a loan program to maximize the use of different products each year since the funds are limited. Once the materials are no longer needed by a student, they are returned to the Trustee and shared with another student." (APH). A teacher of the visually impaired usually knows who the Trustee is.

Veterans: VA Blind Rehabilitation

"BRS serves Veterans and active duty Service members with vision loss that cannot be corrected with regular eyeglasses and who are having difficulty with one or more tasks." (VA). Its training includes "Assistive Technology - Performing tasks with different devices, software, and smart technology to overcome the challenges of visual impairment." And: "Approved equipment and technology is provided by VA Prosthetics Service at no cost to the patient." (VA). The VA's page tells veterans to contact a VIST Coordinator.

Free braille eReaders: the NLS

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled lends its two braille eReaders, along with players for its audiobooks, to its patrons for free (NLS). How to sign up is in our guide to free braille books.

Deafblind people: iCanConnect

"iCanConnect provides free equipment and training for people with both significant hearing and vision loss who meet the program's disability and income eligibility guidelines." Its phone number is 800-825-4595 (iCanConnect). More in deafblind communication.

Where Braillito fits

Braille appears all through this list: braille displays, notetakers, braille watches and screen readers that send text to braille. Braillito, our app, teaches braille. It teaches the braille cells in lessons with exercises you play, with lives, levels and a daily streak: 59 lessons in 8 worlds in English. It also has a translator, a dictionary and a cell builder. It is meant for anyone learning the code, such as adults who are losing their sight (learning braille as an adult) or sighted family members of a braille reader (learning braille as a sighted person).

Braillito is a subscription with no free version; depending on the plan, it starts with a free trial or a discounted first period, if it's your first subscription (is Braillito free?). Get Braillito.

Frequently asked questions

What is assistive technology for the visually impaired?

Any device, software or app that helps a blind or low-vision person do everyday tasks: screen readers, magnifiers, braille displays and notetakers, smart glasses, apps, talking or braille watches and accessible phones. US law defines an assistive technology device as any item or product used to increase, maintain or improve the abilities of people with disabilities.

What is the best handheld magnifier for low vision?

It depends on what you want to read and how much magnification you need, which is why VisionAware and the AFB both point to a low vision specialist, who can prescribe one. Handheld magnifiers usually range from 2x to 10x, according to the AFB, and many have a built-in light.

How much does a handheld magnifier cost?

At MaxiAids, 157 of 161 handheld magnifiers cost $80 or less on October 29, 2026, with a median of $27.50. Digital handheld magnifiers cost more: $795 and $845 there. Handheld video magnifiers with a larger screen ran from $149 to $1,555.

What is the difference between a magnifier and a video magnifier?

A magnifier is a lens. A video magnifier, or CCTV, uses a camera and shows an enlarged, high-contrast image on a screen, and can magnify much more: VisionAware says often over 70x. Video magnifiers come in handheld and desktop versions.

Is there free assistive technology for blind people?

Yes. NVDA is free, and Narrator, VoiceOver and TalkBack come with Windows, Apple devices and Android, along with screen magnifiers. Be My Eyes and Seeing AI are free apps. The NLS lends braille eReaders to its patrons for free, and iCanConnect gives equipment to deafblind people who qualify.

Does the VA pay for assistive technology?

For veterans and service members served by VA Blind Rehabilitation, the VA says approved equipment and technology is provided by its Prosthetics Service at no cost. Start with a VIST Coordinator.

Will vocational rehabilitation pay for a braille display?

Federal law lists rehabilitation technology, including sensory and other technological aids and devices, among the services a state VR agency can provide. Whether yours pays for a given device depends on your eligibility and your job plan, so ask your state VR agency or its agency for the blind.

How can a student get assistive technology?

Through the school: the IEP team must consider whether the student needs assistive technology. APH's Federal Quota also funds APH products for students who are blind or have low vision, often lent by the state's Trustee and passed on to another student when no longer needed.