Accessibility software: programs to help the visually impaired and blind to use computers

“My computer is, to communication, what my guide dog is to mobility”

As part of my job I visit people with little or no sight and help them make their computers more accessible
The quote above is from one of my clients and sums up how computers can be so useful to people who have difficulty seeing.  Computers and the internet are ubiquitous these days so it is imperative that the blind are not left out. 
There are many programs that can help by manipulating what’s on the computer screen (such as changing contrast or enlarging it) or by speaking what’s being displayed. 
They use different methods of accessing and interacting with the computer, for those who may find the mouse, cursor and even the keyboard, difficult or impossible, with their level of vision.
The next few posts are a reproduction of information we give out to clients in four categories:

• Screen magnifiers
• Screen readers
• Combination magnifiers/readers
• Other assistive software

These are just a few examples of the many programs out there.  The prices shown are approximate, October 2011. All prices are excluding VAT. Those registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired will not have to pay VAT on these products. Links to trial software that can be downloaded from the internet mean you can test the different products before you buy, to see if they suit your needs.
This information is intended as an introduction to the subject for blind and partially sighted people and their supporters. It is not intended as a complete list of all products and services available, nor should it be inferred that products and services mentioned in this information sheet are recommended or endorsed by Vision Web Sight.

Assistive Technology Software 1: Speech Software

Speech output or screen reading software provides access to on screen information through synthetic speech. The user navigates the computer via the keyboard and the current focus is announced. By its nature, screen readers give a narrow view of what is on the screen, for example a sighted user may glance at the clock to get the time; a screen reader user would need to know the keystroke to get that information. To fully utilise a screen reader therefore, the user must learn a wide range of operating system and screen reader specific keystrokes.
In general, you get what you pay for with screen readers. However, whether a home user needs the extensibility of a high end screen reader such as JAWS should be questioned when free alternatives exist.

Software listed:

• Microsoft Windows operating system narrator – free
• Apple operating system VoiceOver – free
• NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Application) – free
• Thunder – free
• System access to go (web-based) – free
• Windows Eyes - £595
• Supernova reader - £595
• JAWS – from £659 ex VAT

Microsoft Windows operating system Narrator - free

This is already available as part of Microsoft Windows

Pros:

• Comes free as part of Windows
• Possible to read under mouse curser

Cons:

• Very basic
• May not be able to read some internet pages or web based email

Apple operating system VoiceOver - free

This is already available as part of Apple operating systems

Pros:

• Comes free as part of Apple computer operating system
• Can be controlled with same gestures as Apple mobile devices using the trackpad

Cons:

• Basic

NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Application) – free

Download full program from web site: http://www.nvda-project.org

Pros:

• NVDA Fully featured free software
• Open source - frequent updates and new features
• Braille output
• Support for over 20 languages
• Ability to read text under the mouse pointer as it moves
• Can be run on any Windows computer from USB drive with no installation
• Optional audible indication of the mouse position
• Online community for support and feedback

Cons:

• eSpeak speech synthesizer sounds “inhuman” but his can be changed to a native Windows voice, or in addition, alternative voices can be purchased

Thunder – free

Web site: http://www.screenreader.net/

Pros:

• Free
• Made by not-for-profit Community Interest Company
• · 5 language options
• Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Menu Levels
• Can be run on any Windows computer from USB drive with no installation
• Online community for support and feedback

Cons:

• Occasional freezes and crashes reported
• No PDF support
• May not be able to read some internet pages or web based email

System Access To Go – free (web-based)

Run the program from the website:http://www.satogo.com/en/

Pros:

• Free over the internet
• Possible to use on any computer with an internet connection without admin rights
• Braille output

Cons:

• Needs internet access
• Intended for use as temporary support
• eSpeak speech synthesizer sounds “inhuman” but his can be changed to a native Windows voice, or in addition, alternative voices can be purchased

Windows Eyes – from £595 plus VAT

Web site: www.forcetenco.co.uk
Download trial version: http://www.gwmicro.com/Window-Eyes/Demo/

Pros:

• Supports all standard Windows applications
• Easily accessible configuration control panel
• · Braille output
• Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Menu Levels
• Ability to read text under the mouse pointer
• Supports PDF Flash, and more

Cons:

• Limited support in the UK

Supernova Reader – £595 plus VAT

Web site: http://www.yourdolphin.com/productdetail.asp?id=5&z=0
Download trial version: http://www.yourdolphin.com/tryit.asp?id=5

Pros:

• Supports all standard Windows applications
• User selectable range of hotkey shortcuts provide ease of use and requires minimal training
• Customisable speed and volume of the voice and control of the level of detail and punctuation that is spoken
• Multilingual
• Braille output
• EasyReader DAISY Player included
• Discounted price for those registered sight impaired or dyslexic

Cons:

• Price
• Has some limitations with more complex tasks
• Takes up a lot of memory which can slow down the computer

JAWS – from approx. £659 plus VAT

Web site including free trial version: http://www.freedomscientific.com/products/fs/jaws-product-page.asp

Pros:

• Supports all standard Windows applications
• Can be fully adapted with built-in customization tools
• Talking installation
• Performs well with complex Windows tasks
• Choice of natural sounding voices
• Multiple languages
• Standard, Premium, Professional and multi-user versions
• Braille output
• Braille display support
• USB memory stick version available for mobile use

Cons:

• Price
• Complex if using more advanced features

Other Assistive Technology information on VWS

• Magnification software
• Combined magnifier and screen reader software

The prices shown are approximate, November 2011. Links to trial software that can be downloaded from the internet mean you can test the different products before you buy, to see if they suit your needs.
This information is intended as an introduction to the subject for blind and partially sighted people and their supporters. It is not intended as a complete list of all products and services available, nor should it be inferred that products and services mentioned in this information is recommended or endorsed by Vision Web Sight.

Disabled Go: is the place you’re going accessible?

Being disabled can make a person think twice before going anywhere.  Is it going to be accessible?  Am I going to be able to enjoy and take advantage of the facilities?  Is it worth me bothering?

Having this kind of information before visiting somewhere can be invaluable to help prepare you and avoid disappointment.  It can be all too easy to put off a trip because you’re unaware if it will be worth going if your disability is going to be a major disadvantage or you’re nervous how you’ll cope.

The web site Disabiled Go can help.  It is a online resource listing detailed information on the access to a wide range of places such as hotels, restaurants, education establishments, tourist attractions, libraries, hospitals, local services and more.  All venues are personally visited by the Disabled Go surveying team and lists information from facilities for the disabled to details of toilet facilities, or even the surface of the car parks.

Using an easy interface, the site covers all aspects of things that could be a problem for people with all kinds of disabilities and could help in making decisions on whether it’s worth visiting somewhere or even deciding to go somewhere you thought wouldn’t have been an option before.


Disability Go also lists jobs, has news of events and disability issues as well as a discussion forum.

The site doesn't cover everywhere but is growing and constantly being added to.

Link:
Visit Disabled Go by clicking here.

Action for Blind People on The Secret Millionaire

Some of the ways people can suffer from loss was highlighted on last week’s Secret Millionaire programme on Channel 4.

The show takes takes a millionaire from their luxury lifestyle  and sends them out undercover to find people making a difference  and which the millionaire can help in return with a donation.  This episode followed Edward Douglas-Miller, who tragically lost a daughter just after birth and had sight problems which he feared could lead to losing his sight.

One person was Bernie Reddington, who works in the same role as me at Action for Blind People in Norwich (Assistive Technology Coordinator).  Having lost her sight 17 years ago and two of her children inheriting the condition she has, she showed how she copes being totally blind and helping others in similar situations.

The programme also met a woman running a charity that helps bereaved parents and a man with motor neurones disease.  An emotional watch, available on Channel 4’s catch up web site 4oD:

The Secret Millionaire on 4oD