Increasingly people with visual impairments including blindness are using computer interfaces to get most of their information and to communicate with others. These users most often use an assisitve technology (AT) device called a Screen Reader. A screen reader is a software application that attempts to identify and interpret what is being displayed on the screen (or, more accurately, sent to standard output, whether a video monitor is present or not). This interpretation is then re-presented to the user with text-to-speech, sound icons, or a Braille output device. Screen readers are a form of AT potentially useful to people who are blind, visually impaired, or have a learning disability, often in combination with other AT, such as screen magnifiers. (Source Wikipedia)

Popular screen reader applications:

Non Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) - for Windows PC

Non Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) is a free and open-source screen reader for the Windows Operating System, enabling blind and vision impaired people to use their computers for no more cost than the computer and Operating System itself. Started in April 2006, it has grown to become quite usable as a day-to-day screen reader, enabling the user to do most tasks they would need to. It is not as stable or as bug-free as some of the commercial screen readers, but since December 2006 the creator of NVDA has been able to use NVDA full-time as his primary screen reader, finally giving up his original commercial product.

For more information and to download NVDA

JAWS - Job Access With Speech - for Windows PC

JAWS is a screen reader produced by the Blind and Low Vision Group at Freedom Scientific. Its purpose is to make personal computers using Microsoft Windows accessible to blind and visually impaired users. It accomplishes this by providing the user with access to the information displayed on the screen via text-to-speech or by means of a Braille display and allows for comprehensive keyboard interaction with the computer.

For more information and to download a trial copy of JAWS

Serotek - System Access - for Windows PC

Serotek’s System Access software brings you accessibility anywhere, and is available in configurations to meet every lifestyle and budget. Whether you're composing a document or spreadsheet, keeping track of appointments, or surfing the web, System Access provides intuitive and affordable access to all Windows-based applications.

System Access comes in a standalone package, a mobile version and a web-based product called System Access to Go.

For more information and to download a trial version.

VoiceOver - for Apple Mac Computers

VoiceOver is a screen reader built into Apple Inc.'s Mac OS X operating system since version 10.4. By using VoiceOver, the user can access content and navigate by using text-to-speech, the keyboard and the touchpad. VoiceOver is designed to increase accessibility for blind and low-vision users, and for some users with learning disabilities. A variant of VoiceOver is also included on the latest versions of Apple's iPad, iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano and iPod Touch, as well as the iPhone 3GS+.

For more information about VoiceOver.

Need more help?

The National Center on AIM Product Tutorials is a resource for learning about and comparing technologies that support the specialized formats of AIM.

Our Training page lists local and regional workshops and webinars on AIM

Our Technical Assistance page provides a listing of Maine organizations that can provide help.

Resources available to your school district may include:

• Representatives of the vendor of the AIM and AT products
• School librarians and media specialists
• School Technology Integrators
• District Assistive Technology Specialists
• District Technology Coordinator
• Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Integration Mentors

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Photo credit: Licensed by Creative Commons by psd