What is visual impairment?
Visual impairment includes blindness, but low or non-correctable vision also fall under this category. Screen readers and other accessibility solutions often help support technology use for learners with this disability.
What is a screen reader?
From the American Foundation for the Blind:
Screen readers are software programs that allow blind or visually impaired users to read the text that is displayed on the computer screen with a speech synthesizer or braille display. A screen reader is the interface between the computer's operating system, its applications, and the user. The user sends commands by pressing different combinations of keys on the computer keyboard or braille display to instruct the speech synthesizer what to say and to speak automatically when changes occur on the computer screen.
A command can instruct the synthesizer to read or spell a word, read a line or full screen of text, find a string of text on the screen, announce the location of the computer's cursor or focused item, and so on. In addition, it allows users to perform more advanced functions, such as locating text displayed in a certain color, reading pre-designated parts of the screen on demand, reading highlighted text, and identifying the active choice in a menu. Users may also use the spell checker in a word processor or read the cells of a spreadsheet with a screen reader.
Below you will find a video demonstration of ZoomText, JAWS, Kurzweil 3000, and Dragon. These are common software applications that help users with a visual impairment. You'll note that Dragon and Kurzweil 3000 have many features that extend beyond a traditional screen reader.
ZoomText, Jaws, & Dragon |
Kurzweil 3000
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Want to know more?
The WebAIM (Web Accessibility in Mind) Project at Utah State has a number of great resources, including a screen reader simulation and a low-vision simulation (note: you will need Adobe Shockwave to run the simulation).
In addition to screen readers, you can also find hardware and software for word completion, text-to-speech, braille composition, braille translation, and audio feedback (to name a few).
In addition to screen readers, you can also find hardware and software for word completion, text-to-speech, braille composition, braille translation, and audio feedback (to name a few).