Add information about screenreaders to this page

 

 

Introduction Thunder Using the Thunder Screenreader in practice Browsealoud Guide JAWS HAL

 

 

Introduction

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jaws, and Dolphin's Hal and SuperNova Screen Reading Software.

 

It is often thought that a graphical interface such as Windows, with its pictures and "icons", is inaccessible to those without vision. In fact these operating systems are still, in reality, text-based and often pictures are purely cosmetic or accompanied by a text label.

 

A blind computer user can know what is on the screen by having the necessary information spoken by a synthetic voice. This could include having each character or word echoed back as you type. On computers that can produce sounds and music the speech output can be produced in a similar way, through the main speakers. In other instances a separate piece of equipment may be required to make the computer talk.

 

The software programs that control the speech (called "screen readers") vary in their reliability and intelligence. The more sophisticated allow the user effective and reliable "eyes-free" use of the vast majority of DOS or Windows 95/98/NT programs (as well as some running under other operating systems).

 

RNIB factsheet: What is a screenreader 

 

 

Thunder

 

Download the Free Thunder ScreenReader talking software and your modern XP or Vista computer will be immediately usable by someone who can’t see to read the screen. you will have a talking computer which will speak as you press keys and read out to you what is on the screen.

 

To enjoy the internet, you will need to use WebbIE which is installed with Thunder. WebbIE will appear within the All Programs Menu. WebbIE is a text browser which cuts out visual clutter and presents a website in clear line by line text. You can adjust the font size to suit.

 

You also get Accessible live and listen again radio, a huge online free library, RSS news feeds and podcasting. You will find this listner's paradise within All Programs under Accessibles when you install your Thunder software.

 

Using the Thunder Screenreader in practice

 

 

 

 

Browsealoud

 

Browsealoud is a Free Windows program that instantly speech-enables websites, reading the text that users require with the hover of a mouse. Free to download, easy to use with control over the voice, pitch and speed, browsealoud is there when you need assistance as you navigate the Web.  Browsealoud can only read sites that have been enabled for its use. While a growing number of websites are enabled, it will provide access only to those sites whose owners or webmasters have elected to utilise this service. For full accessibility, another text-reader or talking browser should be chosen for those sites that are not enabled for Browsealoud.

 

 

Guide

 

An all-in-one computer package, for people who are blind or partially sighted. It has been designed to be easy-to-use and easy-to-learn.

 

• Guide has its own in-built screen reader, so it will read out the text on every screen, even while you're typing.
• It has its own in-built screen magnifier, so you can enlarge the text on every screen, whether you are writing a letter or surfing the Internet.
• It turns your computer into an easy-to-use Reading Machine. Printed text documents are placed on the scanner and then both spoken out and magnified on the screen.
• It is available as a CD to be loaded onto an existing computer, or as a complete computer package, all setup and ready to be used.
• It offers many features, integrated within one package, so that there is no need to switch between different programmes to complete each task.
• These features include: Write letters and documents; Spell-Checker; Dictionary and thesaurus; Magnify handwriting, diagrams or pictures; Print or edit photos from your digital camera; Send and receive emails; Surf the Internet; Addresses and contacts; Calendar and reminders and playing CDs and MP3s.

 

JAWS

 

A screen reader which works with a PC to provide access to software applications and the Internet. It has an internal software speech synthesizer which works with the computer’s sound card, information from the screen is read aloud, providing technology to access a wide variety of information, education and job related applications. JAWS also outputs to refreshable braille displays, providing braille support for a variety of screen readers. Essentially to use JAWS, you need to be familiar with the keyboard. Ideally you need to be a touch typist.  A standard keyboard is recommended, as it has the full range of keys - and where you would expect them to be.

 

 

HAL

 

Another screenreader developed for blind computer users, Hal is a software screen reader that works by reading the screen interactively and communicating through a speech synthesiser or a refreshable Braille display.  The makers claim: It is Vista compatible and a few fully featured screen reader. It can be used independently - in other words, not just on a desktop PC, but can be transported on a USB stick to use at any university, internet café, library or work place. Users are able to carry their screen access, with their favourite settings with them at all times.  Hal users can apparently also connect remotely on terminal servers or Citrix mainframes.