Assistive technology software 3: Combined speech and magnification software

Combined speech and magnification software can benefit people with some useful vision who are able to use magnification. The additional speech support can take the strain from the eyes when reading longer text and for a back-up when reading is difficult.

• Lightning Plus with Speech £199
• Supernova Reader Magnifier £395
• ZoomText Magnifier Reader £495
• Supernova Access Suite £835

Easy to use and learn for simple computer use

• Azabat Write £30 + £20 for email
• Guide £495

iZoom £250 ex VAT

Buy from http://pamtrad.co.uk/izoom

Pros:

• 1.5x to 36x magnification
• Selection of zooming modes
• Colour enhancements
• Font smoothing
• Smart align to ensure that magnified text fits on the screen
• Zoom scroll bars to help to identify where you are on the page
• Curser and pointer enhancements
• Human sounding voices
• Dual monitor option

Cons:

• Adjustments can be slow
• Screen layout can be incorrect due to magnification
• Some pixilation at higher magnification
• Zoom scroll bars are red
• Can be slow to follow the focus
• Reading limited

Supernova reader magnifier £395 ex VAT

Buy from www.rnib.org.uk/shop
Also available from www.dolphinuk.co.uk

Pros:

• Up to 60x magnification
• Selection of zooming modes
• Colour enhancements
• Font smoothing
• Curser and pointer enhancements
• Reads or spells out any text on the screen
• Human sounding voices
• Multiple monitor support

Cons:

• Reading options can be limited compared to more complex screen readers
• Large software file which can use more computer memory

ZoomText magnifier reader £495 ex VAT

Buy from: www.rnib.org.uk/shop

Pros:

• 1.5x to 36x magnification
• Selection of zooming modes
• Colour enhancements
• Font smoothing with xfont technology so very clear even at high levels of magnification
• Smart align to ensure that magnified text fits on the screen
• Zoom scroll bars to help to identify where you are on the page
• Curser and pointer enhancements
• Dual monitor option
• Human sounding voices
• Reads or spells out any text on the screen
• Reliable and stable in various environments
• Web finder, lets you find links and controls in any web page for faster browsing

Cons:

• Reading options can limited compared to more complex screen readers

Supernova access suite £835 ex VAT

Buy from: www.rnib.org.uk/shop
Also available from www.dolphinuk.co.uk

Pros:

• Up to 60x magnification
• Selection of zooming modes
• Colour enhancements
• Font smoothing
• Curser and pointer enhancements
• Reads or spells out any text on the screen
• Human sounding voices
• Multiple monitor support
• Speech navigation keys which allow enable faster web browsing
• Verbosity schemes so you can control how much information you are given
• Supports Braille output and input

Cons:

• Large software file which can use more computer memory

Azabat Write £30 (£50 incl. email)

Buy from: www.rnib.org.uk/shop
Also available from www.dolphinuk.co.uk

Pros:

• Easy to use list operated system
• · Magnified text as well as speech
• Price

Cons:

• Unable to make changes to font
• Internet use is not supported

Guide £495 ex VAT

Buy from: www.rnib.org.uk/shop
Also available from www.dolphinuk.co.uk

Pros:

• Easy to use as you are guided step by step
• Human sounding voice
• Scan and read included
• Enables simple use of communication, entertainment, organization and internet
• Magnified text as well as speech

Cons:

• Can be restricting if you require more advanced functions
• Price

Other Assistive Technology information

• Screen reader software
• Screen magnifiers

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 is recommended or endorsed by Vision Web Sight.