BRS Assistive Technology & Adaptive Devices 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When introducing a client to a new screen reader, the BRS should prioritize teaching which skill FIRST?
- Basic navigation commands to move through and interact with the desktop (Correct answer)
- Advanced scripting for custom applications
- Braille display pairing
- Internet browsing with complex web forms
Correct answer: Basic navigation commands to move through and interact with the desktop
Basic navigation commands form the foundation of screen reader use; clients must master these before advancing to complex tasks.
Question 2: A client with diabetic retinopathy has fluctuating vision. Which assistive technology approach is MOST flexible for this situation?
- Combination system using both magnification and speech output that can be toggled (Correct answer)
- Committing solely to braille training
- Optical lenses only
- Purchasing a device that only offers magnification
Correct answer: Combination system using both magnification and speech output that can be toggled
A dual-mode system that offers both visual magnification and audio output allows the client to switch between modalities as their vision changes.
Question 3: Which software feature allows a screen reader to announce changes on a webpage without the user navigating away from their current position?
- Live regions (ARIA live region support) (Correct answer)
- Tab indexing
- Skip navigation links
- Landmark navigation
Correct answer: Live regions (ARIA live region support)
ARIA live regions tell screen readers to automatically announce dynamic content changes (like alerts or chat messages) without disrupting user focus.
Question 4: A BRS is evaluating a client for assistive technology to support independent mail reading. Which solution requires the LEAST amount of training?
- Smartphone with camera and built-in text recognition (e.g., Seeing AI) (Correct answer)
- Learning Grade 2 braille
- Desktop OCR system with flatbed scanner
- Purchasing a dedicated CCTV with OCR
Correct answer: Smartphone with camera and built-in text recognition (e.g., Seeing AI)
Apps like Seeing AI can read printed mail instantly using the smartphone camera with minimal training, making them one of the most accessible solutions.
Question 5: In assistive technology training, what does 'device abandonment' refer to?
- A client stops using an assistive device after initial training (Correct answer)
- A manufacturer discontinues a product
- A device runs out of battery power
- A BRS removes a device from a client's plan
Correct answer: A client stops using an assistive device after initial training
Device abandonment occurs when a client discontinues use of an assistive technology, often due to poor fit, inadequate training, or unmet expectations.
Question 6: Which of the following BEST describes the role of the BRS when a client's assistive technology needs change due to progressive vision loss?
- Conduct a reassessment and adjust the technology plan to reflect current functional vision (Correct answer)
- Continue with the original plan to maintain consistency
- Refer the client to a low vision optometrist only
- Recommend the client learn braille immediately without reassessment
Correct answer: Conduct a reassessment and adjust the technology plan to reflect current functional vision
Reassessment ensures that the assistive technology plan remains matched to the client's current functional abilities and goals as vision changes.
Question 7: The Hadley Institute and APH (American Printing House for the Blind) are BEST known as:
- Organizations that provide accessible educational materials and assistive technology resources for individuals with visual impairments (Correct answer)
- Federal government agencies that regulate screen reader software
- Insurance companies that fund low vision devices
- Manufacturers of GPS navigation systems for the blind
Correct answer: Organizations that provide accessible educational materials and assistive technology resources for individuals with visual impairments
Hadley offers free distance education for blind individuals and their families, while APH produces educational materials, braille, and assistive technology resources.
BRS Assistive Technology & Adaptive Devices 5
When introducing a client to a new screen reader, the BRS should prioritize teaching which skill FIRST?