The Availability and Use of Screen Reading Technologies for Computer Users Who Are Sight Impaired

Special writing aids help visually impaired people write in straight lines, while Braille and large-print and audio-cassette books help them read and write.

If a person can’t see they find a way to function through the day with a Seeing Eye dog or reading with Braille knowledge, and if a person is unable to hear they are able to function at a very high level through the use of sign language and reading lips.

Deaf-blind can also use a screen Braille communicator, a small portable device that enables them to communicate with sighted people. Alternate communication is print on palm, the person communicating with the deaf-blind person prints large block letters on the other persons hand. Each letter is written in the same location on the persons hand. This is a way for the deaf-blind to communicate with the public.

Getting to polling locations can be a hassle, especially for the disabled, the sick, and people without transportation. In addition, voting becomes even more difficult for

This article focuses on the many forms of technology in relation to special education. The article discusses the “high” and “low” forms of technology that is available for students with special needs to help “bypass” or “compensate” for their disabilities. The article goes on to survey the current status of assistive technology for the special education population. In the end, the article uncovers that the use of assistive technology for the special education population is promising though uncertain. Assistive technology has proven to be beneficial for students with learning disabilities, as it would empower them to work beyond their normal capabilities (Lewis, 1998).

Braille – This is helpful for blind people to be able to read and understand what they may need to read or even to communicate to people if they are also blind. There are lots of items that come in braille now.

With this system blind people can read by running their fingers across the dots, and can write by impressing the raised dots into paper using a frame called Braille slate, or a Braille writer.

Such devices include Teletypewriters (TTY), which can relay typed text to and/or from one impaired person to another, Voice Carry Over (VCO), which allows a person who is hard of hearing or deaf to use one’s voice to receive responses from a person who is hearing via the operator’s typed text. There are also more self-explanatory modes of technology such as video conferencing and captioned telephones available to assist in communicating.

There are communication access real-time translation or CART this provides another form of communication. “This is when words are spoken, a CART provider, or translator, types them on the computer for a deaf or hearing-impaired person to read” (Dunlap, 2011). There are also assistive listening devices, which are technology aids, the deaf and hard of hearing in many ways. “Assistive listening devices or ALD’s help people hear better in cases of background noise or bad acoustics” (Dunlap, 2011).

In addition to these components windows is compatible with numerous other programs and hardware components that are designed to enhance the lives of those who are blind or visually impaired. More recently Microsoft has also included Braille output devises and other hardware components in their product lines.

With new technology comes new ways to let disabilied people use more items. An example is, voice recognition screen readers can help peole who are blind. For instance, eye-tracking programs can make using computers simple for people who can´t move their hands.

This technology allows people who are deaf to participate in both the deaf and hearing world. It

First, Microsoft ‘encouraged’ Compaq, Apple, and other computer manufacturers to promote only Internet Explorer, and to make that the default browser on their PC. This encouragement came in the way of threats to eliminate or delay licensing of operating systems, providing the browser for free to internet access providers, and bundling the software with the operating system under the guise of interactive ease for the consumer. This manipulation led to an increase in the browser’s sales by 45 to 50%, which paralleled the decline Netscape experienced in their market sales in 1998.6

Individuals with sight problems can adjust color and brightness to assist them in viewing programs. Children with hearing problems can adjust volume controls and replace noise commands with visual commands. For example, if a child clicks on a program that is unable to open, they can program the computer to respond with a verbal message informing them of the inaccessible program, as opposed to the usual noise response. “Laptop computers can provide high-tech tools for note taking because of their mobility”(Barfield, 2003, p. 1). Customized computers also offer many different options for individuals depending on their needs. Touch screens, and touch pads enable an individual to use a computer by simply touching a screen or pad with his/her finger. “This often allows students who have fine motor problems, inaccurate keyboard skills, or problems with spelling to complete programs without frustration (Olson, 2000, p. 344). Voice activated computers allow students to use a microphone to enter information into the computer. Positions of buttons and switches can also be changed to accommodate an individuals certain needs. Other parts of the computer can also be altered to aid an individual with special needs. For example, individuals with limited motor control often use a key guard. “A keyguard is a keyboard overlay with holes positioned over each key. This assists in stabilization of finger, hand, or stick movement (Ray, 1995, p.

to This browser would threaten to remove the application barrier which enabled Microsoft’s monopoly position on operating systems for many years. The software application - internet browser allows users to retrieve, present, and pass over information resources on the World Wide Web and contains Applications Programming Interface (API) which allows programmer to write other application programs. on it. In addition, the development of new programming language “Java” by Sun Microsystems allows programmer to write applications in it which can be run on various operating systems. Both the twoJave a Netscape Navigator innovations corporate use each other; because Java applications are especially written for the internet and the Netscape browser was a primary distribution channel for java applications. Therefore, the developments of the Netscape browsers along with the java programming language enables software applications to run across operating systems reducereducing Microsoft’s competitive strategy and threaten its monopolisticy position.