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Michigan Assistive Technology Webinar:. Screen Readers: Making Your Computer Talk! Presented by M. Cathy McAdam. Objectives. To understand the use of screen readers for Windows and Apple computer systems including the iPad. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Screen Readers: Making Your Computer
Talk!Presented by M. Cathy McAdam
Michigan Assistive Technology Webinar:
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To understand the use of screen readers for Windows and Apple computer systems including the iPad.
To understand features valuable to specific users depending on disability or literacy needs
To explore device demonstrations available for consumers
To introduce accessibility concerns
Objectives
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Screen readers are software programs that allow users to read the text that is displayed on the computer screen with a speech synthesizer.
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 to instruct the speech synthesizer what to say and to speak automatically when changes occur on the computer screen.
-- American Foundation for the Blind
What is a Screen Reader?
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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.
Screen Reader Commands
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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. May combine magnification options.
Advanced Functions
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People who are blind or visually impaired, People who have learning disabilities, and people with literacy issues.
Who uses Screenreaders?
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Some are free, and open source, Others can cost up to $1000+. Can be part of an education/employment
plan Can be covered by state rehab programs Not medical insurance Service clubs Texas program for low vision/blind
Who Pays for Screenreaders?
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Webaim Simulation: Download software to view simulation
Surfing the Web with a Screen Reader: AccessIT demonstration of a screen reader
Demonstration
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A screen reader cannot read unlabeled graphics, PDF file scanned as photos, pictures or links not labeled correctly instead you hear a string of numbers, or “image map link” or “graphic” with no clarification
Can Screen readers read graphics?
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<label for="firstname">Enter your first name:</label>
A screen reader can be used to fill in forms if they are created correctly. In some cases the fields are not labeled so there is no way to know if you should put in your name title or address.
Filling in Forms?
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Can you bank or shop online with a screen reader?
Yes, but depends on the site the National Federation for the Blind sued Target for not being accessible/useable. Some compare it to not being able to get into an un-ramped building. Using a screen reader only gets you to the door.
Banking or Shopping Online
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For all screen readers… programs, web sites or documents are only as good as the interface between the software and the operating system, application, or program… a very complex process.
MSU offers a well done tool kit.
Good Design
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Magnification options LD/literacy tool Key board skills Touch screen use Verbosity Voice options Braille compatibility
Features to consider
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“Often I'm asked which screen reading program is best for users who are blind or have low vision. My response is always the same: It depends.
It depends on what computer tasks the person is trying to accomplish, and the type of environment in which he or she is working.” – Ike Presley, American Foundation for the Blind
Project Manager, Professional Development And it also depends on print disabilities beyond
vision.
Which one works best
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Advanced use at work and/or school Spread sheets Editing or publishing documents Using specialized programs“Scripting” options
Additional Considerations
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Voice over, built into all their products.
Can now use in conjunction with magnification option
Siri allows voice activation for browsing/email
Touch screen
Apple
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Mac has accessible key board options
iPad can be supplemented with Bluetooth keyboards for print or Braille
Using a Keyboard with Apple
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Narrator works best with note pad, trouble shooting
Accessibility features for keyboard magnification and mouse use
Speech recognition not functional with screen reader
Collaborated with NVDA a free screen reader
Microsoft
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Check out the website All Hot Keys: Your source of hotkeys and shortcuts for software.
for operating systems, browsers and more.
Keyboarding
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ChromeVox is available as an extension for Google Chrome
FireVox is an open source talking browser extension for the Firefox web browser.
Switching between browsers can enhance accessibility for advanced users. Can be ever changing and difficult to keep up.
Web Browser Extensions
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Not fully functional for totally blind user Not just magnification, examples of features:
Full range of color enhancements Options for viewing the mouse and cursor Easy interface with smooth scrolling
Examples of software: Magic from Freedom Scientific ZoomText Magnifier/Reader from AI Square
Plus Magnification
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Improved built in magnification with later versions of Windows and Mac for low vision users. Legally blind user may need more.
Only way to know is to try, visual issues vary greatly. Can help with learning tracking issues as well.
System Access to Go (when user is online) Free low cost shareware is available for older
computers
Other Magnification
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Use visual interfaces to strengthen and support reading skills
Examples: WYNN, from Freedom Scientific
uses color coding, tracking, voice feed back
Word Q/SpeakQ word prediction, ability to read highlighted text, tracking while reading
For Literacy/LD
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Very verbose, detailed information about controls menus necessary for orientation and operation of the computer
Examples: JAWS Freedom Scientific Window Eyes GW Micro Dolphin (British Company)
For people who are Blind
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Non visual Desktop -NVDA
Thunder System Access to
Go (when on line)
Free Screen Readers - Windows
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Supported by major screen reading programs but may be limited to a specific brand of display
Can use with NVDA free
Braille display option for Deaf/hard of hearing
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Because the synthesizer voice is its own sound source there is often a conflict using a screen reader and voice activation together. Apple’s Siri Dolphin Guide (screen reader plus voice
activation option) CDESK (a full computer system)
Using Voice Commands Built-in
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Can combine JAWS and JSay
Dragon has a screen reader function to read back what was written out loud, but because this is after dictation not as effective
Works well on smart phones
Dragon
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Software with its own voicing system to scan, read and manipulate text with a PC or MACExamples:
Kurzweil Open Book Scan and Read Pro
Scan and Read
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Many software programs are quite costly so best to try first.
Most have demos for 30 to 60 days to download from the web or by ordering a CD.
Trying it Out
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For blind users: A study of 5 screen readers and 3 operating systems was done in 2011, link to full webinar and transcript
Equal Access to Software and Information (EASI) Webinar
Compare/Contrast
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The Visually Impaired Information Center just updated their resource list for blind low vision users. A print copy is available or you can check their web page for a list of computer consultants and trainers and service providers and much more!
Resource: Blind & Low Vision
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LD online is an excellent resource for products.
You might also want to use the freedom stick which has free useful apps.
Resources: Learning Disabilities
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In person Demos are valuable to compare contrast options, look at features for functional use, and explore optional screen reading voices.
An assessment/evaluation may be needed for a third party to purchase, for ongoing training, or to better identify the best fit for the end user for education or a work setting.
Demonstration vs. Evaluation
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Every time an operating system is updated, a program is changed, and a web site is developed the screen reader must keep up.
This can be especially problematic on a job site.
Accessibility issues
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The flexibility of screen readers across disabilities, the fun of using voice activation and the increased demand by end users are moving us toward universal access but there’s a long way to go!
Universal Design
