Assistive Technology

On this page:

• What is assistive technology?
• What is the assistive technology like in Windows XP?
• How does a screen reader work?
• What types of magnification packages are there?
• How can a blind person navigate around the screen?
• If someone is visually impaired can they use a mouse?

What is assistive technology?

Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, modified or customised, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Below are some examples:

• input and output devices include Braille or speech output devices;
• closed circuit television for magnifying documents; modified keyboards;
• enabling software that allows learners with visual impairments to use a computer - this includes speech recognition software;
• large screen computers for individuals with visual problems;
• hearing aids and other amplification devices for individuals with hearing loss;
• devices that operate lamps, radios, and other appliances through a remote control switching device, that might be attached to a person's wheelchair;

What is the assistive technology like in Windows XP?

Windows XP includes a Magnifier, Narrator, On-screen Keyboard, and Utility Manager which provide accessibility support.

Text size can be changed in several ways - the Magnifier will allow the user to set the level of magnification, set tracking options, set either inverted colours or use high contrast.

The onscreen keyboard provides limited functionality for mobility impaired users.

Narrator is a text to speech programme that can help visually impaired people to access most programmes on their computers. Most users with visual impairments will need a screen reader with higher functionality for daily use.

The Utility Manager will allow the user to manage the 3 options available - Magnifier, On-screen keyboard and Narrator - the manager can be launched from the keyboard using the Windows key + U - the user is able to maintain settings and specify which feature will launch automatically on start-up.

The Accessibility Wizard guides the user through the following options :

• Text size;
• Font size;
• Display settings;
• Scroll bar and window border size;
• Icon size;
• Display colour settings;
• Mouse / cursor settings.

All changes will be saved for the user.

How does a screen reader work?

A screen reader is a software program that allows a blind person to read text on the screen and identify some graphics like buttons on a toolbar or icons on the Desktop. A person hears the information from a speech synthesiser or the computer's sound card.

A screen reader also allows a person to control the computer using the keyboard rather than the mouse. Many of the keyboard commands that a blind person uses are the same keyboard commands a sighted person can use on their PC. For example, open your File menu by pressing Alt-F. To close the File menu, press the Alt key again.

A blind person also uses special keyboard commands that were created by the screen reader. For example, most screen readers offer a keystroke to read the information in the title bar or in the status bar.

Some people use a refreshable Braille display rather than listening to the information. A Braille display is not like a computer screen. Usually, it is placed near or under the keyboard. The screen reader sends the information on the screen to the Braille display. Then, a person places his or her fingers on the display and reads the information in Braille as it appears. Braille displays are helpful to people who are deafblind and to people who work at jobs that require them to talk to customers on the phone.

What types of magnification packages are there?

Big Shot Magnifier - software specifically designed to help with eye strain, can magnify in fractions of magnification [for example, 1.5 times].

Visibility - turns a PC and scanner into an intelligent magnification and reading system. Any printed or handwritten material can be scanned and displayed at up to 32 times its original size.

ZoomText Extra Levels 1 [magnification] and 2 [screen reading] - magnifies up to 16 times and also includes cursor enhancements.

MAGic 6.x for Windows NT/2000 - does not currently have its own screen reading capabilities and therefore must be used with a screen reader such as WindowEyes.

Lunar Screen Magnification and Lunar Plus Enhanced Screen Enlarger software - includes speech output and is usable with a wide variety of Windows applications. Contains magnification up to 32 times.

Supernova - combines speech output, screen magnification and Braille support in one product. Magnifies up to 32 times.

Reader's Pal - free, easy to use software which displays text files and web pages in magnified fonts and high contrast colours. Also supports Text-to-Speech capabilities.

How can a blind person navigate around the screen?

By listening to the information given by the screenreader. The Tab key is used to move from link to link and usually the Enter key to activate the link. Additionally some people may use the cursor keys to read and move around the pages - this will depend on the type of screenreader and the level of skill.

If someone is visually impaired can they use a mouse?

Yes - if they use magnification software - this allows the user to magnify the information on the screen and use the mouse to navigate as usual.

---

| Home | Modules | Resources | Project | Contact | Sitemap | Help |

Last updated: 30 June 2002
© 2000-2003 DEMOS