The Invention

The Concept

There are countless challenges that will face our students as we progress through this profession.  In this challenge, we were to invent an object that would assist a person with one problem.  Ken and I spent a dreary Sunday morning touring around Halifax, searching for the components to build a hands free magnifier.

The person we have in mind has low vision.  S/he is able to see, but requires significant magnification at near distances to perform fine tasks such as writing, or reading.  This person needs a device to be portable, but also benefits from working at a desk.  This person has good mobility, and dexterity.  

The magnifier can either be worn about the neck, or stand on the desk.  The student can place common objects in front of the magnifier, and work with them when printing or objects are too small.

The Hands Free Magnifier in the Classroom

Students with low vision, may be challenged in daily activity within the classroom.  Large print books may support reading, but it can be difficult to find books that the student is interested in, in large print format.  Other activities such as board and card games, are a key part of learning and socializing in the classroom, and large print objects may be difficult to find.  This magnifier can be used to allow a student with low vision to work with a group, and not require special materials to be made or purchased for each task.

Websites such as www.visionaware.org suggest that magnifiers should be prescribed by a low vision specialist to ensure the correct power of magnification is being used.  This will prevent eye strain. One warning on the website offers is that fatigue due to leaning over a standing magnifier is possible. With our design, the magnifier can be work about the neck to avoid this kind of fatigue.

Making the Hands Free Magnifier

The magnifier is made of:

1) a cross stitch hoop, 

2) a sheet magnifier

3) ribbon

4) a coat hook

5) hot glue

The arms of the coat hook were bent to provide a stable base, and the hook was cut off.  The remaining metal was splayed to provide a wide base for attaching to the rest of the device.  The hoop was placed on the sheet magnifier and traced.  The resulting circle was then cut out and attached to the hoop using hot glue.  The coat hook was then glued to the hoop and the sheet magnifier.  Ribbon was attached to serve as a neck strap.

Improving the Magnifier

This is a working model of the hands free magnifier, but it is not perfect.  We used available materials, and would have considered some better choices, were this to be a device we would include in our actual classroom.  I would replace the ribbon with more comfortable neck strap, were this to be a long term solution for a student.  This would reduce pressure on the neck, and allow the user to wear the magnifier for a longer period of time.  I would use a UV curing plastic adhesive, rather than hot glue for durability sake.  A UV bond is much stronger than hot glue, and is less likely to break.

My Learning

In going through this activity, I learned more about creative solutions to common problems.  I enjoyed the challenge of coming up with a twist on a product to make it more useful to students in my classroom.