Computer access via Screen Readers and Magnification

Link to computer access training

This is an area that is being developed daily and is difficult to keep up to date.  In view of this only the fundamentals are published for as soon as they are posted they are out dated.

We are unable to provide in depth information on any one piece of equipment as there are so many, and as many organisations selling them.  Below is an overview, however, we are able to advise and give demonstrations or hands on real time experience/training and courses on a wide range of products.

Just to list a few.

Computer screen readers and magnifiers

There are a small number of magnifiers and text readers that are free for you to download off the Internet together with those that are already a part of your computer operating system.  You can make many changes to the size of fonts, icons and the mouse pointer.  Generally found in the Accessibility Options in the Control Panel.

Have you thought of a larger monitor? Prices are falling all the time as well as screens becoming larger and clearer.  Keyboards are available with contrasting colours and with large print or even keyboards with jumbo buttons of which we can supply.

 

Screen Reading and Magnification Software

Guide
Guide is a self-voicing application that provides word processing, E:mail and Internet access as well as scanning and audio features. It can be installed on most
PCs running Windows 98 or later. It is navigated using numbered menus.

Jaws for Windows
This is a speech or Braille output for visually impaired computer users.  Jaws gives you almost full functionality of the PC.  Documents, Spread Sheets, E:mail and the Internet as well as the operating system.  You are able to switch between the reading cursor and the PC. Curser, gaining access to the content of the displayed page.

Zoom Text
Zoom Text Magnifier magnifies the screen from 1.25 to 36 times. It includes many features such as mouse and cursor enhancement together with special colour settings.  Zoom Text Reader/Magnifier has additional speech support.

Supernova
Supernova combines all the features of Hal screen reading software with magnification features of Lunar. This is a full screen reading and magnification package giving the user the opportunity to gain access to the operating system as well as tables and spread sheets.

CCTVs and portable electronic magnifiers

CCTV’s come in many forms prices and styles.  They are mainly a camera unit that looks at a page of text or picture, which is then displayed on a screen, this could be a dedicated screen, your TV or a computer monitor.  Some are large desktop devices while others are hand held and will easily fit in to a pocket.
Many of these devices are reliant on a mains power supply like the desk top machines and the ones that plug in to your TV While others are portable, that will fit in to a hand or shoulder bag.

Dependant on the size and style they can magnify from 2x – 50x.
They offer functions like auto focus and freeze frame allowing you to take a snap shot of something that is out of reach then moving it for you to view.
Our best advice with all the products mentioned in this document is to contact us for a chat about your needs and wants for any specialist equipment; we can also make arrangements for a centre or home demonstration.

E:mail us at hi-tec@eyecan.org.uk
Or find our alternative contacts on the contacts page link.