by Screen Assistive Technologies For Visually Impaired
Screen reading softwares are one of the most commonly used assistive technologies by visually impaired people. These softwares allow users to access and interact with text and graphics on computers using text-to-speech output. When a screen reading software is active, it vocalizes what is displayed on the computer screen. Some popular screen reading softwares include JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver.
JAWS (Job Access With Speech) Assistive Technologies For Visually Impaired is one of the most widely used screen readers for Windows. It provides access to the entire Windows interface along with most applications and web content. JAWS uses synthesised speech to read text and describe graphics, menus and other items on the screen. It also supports braille displays. Some key features of JAWS include finding and editing text, navigating web pages, reading PDF and e-book files.
NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a free and open source screen reader for Windows. It aims to provide accessibility to visually impaired and blind users through the use of synthesised speech or braille output. Similar to JAWS, NVDA provides access to the Windows interface and allows users to navigate and interact with applications and web content. It provides features like reading web pages, editing documents, filling out forms and reading PDFs.
VoiceOver is the built-in screen reader on Apple devices like iPhones, iPads and Mac computers. It makes the entire interface accessible through gestures and speech. Users can navigate apps, web pages and documents on their Apple devices without seeing the screen using VoiceOver. Features include reading text aloud, describing images, reading tables and reading formatting in documents. It also supports braille displays for tactile navigation and reading.
Screen Magnification Software
Screen magnification software enlarges parts of the screen to improve visibility for visually impaired users. These softwares are beneficial for low vision users who have some usable vision but need larger text or screen elements for comfortable viewing.
Some popular screen magnification software options include ZoomText, MAGic and Microsoft Magnifier. ZoomText is one of the most fully-featured screen magnifiers for Windows. It allows magnification of the entire screen, specific areas or individual applications. It also provides additional accessibility tools like enhanced color contrast and screen reading capabilities.
MAGic is another comprehensive screen magnification software for Windows. It provides magnification up to 40x, enhances color and contrast settings, switches between different magnification modes and reading modes. It allows users to customize keyboard shortcuts for common tasks.
Microsoft Magnifier is the built-in screen magnification tool available on Windows 10 computers. It provides up to 500% magnification of parts of the screen. Users can magnify text, images or areas by holding the Windows key and pressing Plus sign. It also lets users customize magnification color modes and zoom options.
Text-to-Speech and Assistive Technologies For Visually Impaired
Text-to-speech softwares read digital text out loud using synthesized voices. This allows visually impaired individuals to listen to text content on screens and documents. Meanwhile, speech recognition softwares allow users to control computers and interact using voice commands.
Popular text-to-speech software options include NaturalReader, ReadPlease and Amazon Polly. NaturalReader has 40+ voices for 25+ languages and supports major document formats including PDF, eBooks, digital texts etc. ReadPlease is an opensource and portable text-to-speech tool for Windows, Mac and Linux. Amazon Polly is a cloud-based text-to-speech service that generates natural sounding synthetic speech.
Common speech recognition softwares are Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Windows Speech Recognition and Apple Dictation. Dragon NaturallySpeaking is one of the most advanced desktop speech recognition tool with up to 99% accuracy. It allows creating documents, sending emails and browsing the web using one’s voice. Windows Speech Recognition is the built-in tool on Windows 10 for basic voice commands and speech-to-text functionality. Apple Dictation records and converts speech to text on various Apple devices.
Screen Writing and Reading Braille Displays
Braille displays are refreshable braille embossers that convert digital text on a computer into braille. It allows visually impaired users to read braille output of what is on their computer screens. These displays have multiple braille cells that can be manipulated to form letters, numbers or punctuation.
Popular braille displays include BrailleNote Touch by HumanWare, BrailleEdge by Baum, and Focus 40 Blue by Freedom Scientific. BrailleNote Touch is a portable braille notetaker and comes preloaded with screen reading software. BrailleEdge connects to computers through USB and translates text from screen reader software into braille. Focus 40 Blue is an affordable refreshable braille display with 40 braille cells and adjustable viewing angle.
Braille embossers enable printing of braille documents and books. Examples include the Refreshabraille by Baum, BrailleType by Handy Tech Electronic and Braille Star 40 by Humanware. The Refreshabraille prints single pages of contracted or uncontracted braille. BrailleType is a braille embosser printer designed for portability. Braille Star 40 has several print modes and page sizes to create a variety of braille documents.
A range of navigation and learning aids are available to assist blind and low vision individuals in mobility and independent living skills. GPS-enabled talking navigation aids provide turn-by-turn directions verbally to help navigate independently. Popular talking navigation devices are the Braillenote GPS by Humanware and Echo by Blindow. Braillenote GPS features a large.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Priya Pandey
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