Assistive Technology for Vision Loss and Blindness
There are basically two types of software programs used by individuals with vision impairments:
Screen Readers read all information on the screen including text and graphics. It provides complete navigation of a computer without sight. The information provided can be changed from simple to extensive.
Screen Magnification with Voice Output software provides less speaking as not everything needs to be voiced since the individual can rely on residual sight. The screen is magnified from 2X to 64X in many programs.
Read on Web
While the browser wars continue to wage often with tool you never think of using, Read on Web is a small plug-in that could be a big help to learners. This product has a free trial period. You can purchase it after the trial period on a yearly basis.
The requirements: Read on Web works on Windows 2000,XP and Vista operating systems. It also works with Internet Explorer 6.0 and above. Current version is Internet Explorer 8. What you get is a simple but powerful toolbar in your browser.
While saving files, emailing articles to friends and printing may be old hat, the too bar has a great filtering feature that locates the main text of a webpage and displays it without all the adds or other distracting text.
The toolbar will also read the article to you. There are many voices to listen to:Microsoft Sam is the default, but you can easily download Microsoft Mike and Microsoft Mary Voices which are slightly easier to listen to.
The Zoom In and Zoom Out buttons are also cool and very useful. Our favorite feature is the speed-reading application that puts the webpage into a new window that bolds text and it lets you practice reading. The Speed Reading also allows you to set the number of lines, font, and words/characters per minute.
For more information, check out www.readonweb.com
Links for Math, Science, and Technology
Freedom Scientific www.freedomscientific.com
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) develops interoperable technologies (specifications, guidelines, software, and tools) to lead the Web to its full potential. W3C is a forum for information, commerce, communication, and collective understanding. www.w3.org
Accessible Webpage Design www.library.uwsp.edu/aschmetz/Accessible/pub_resources.htm
Readings About Braille/Louis Braille and Other Disabilities, For Students