1

Screen Readers: Making Your Computer

Talk!Presented by M. Cathy McAdam

Michigan Assistive Technology Webinar:

2

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

3

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?

4

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

5

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

6

People who are blind or visually impaired, People who have learning disabilities, and people with literacy issues.

Who uses Screenreaders?

7

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?

8

Webaim Simulation: Download software to view simulation

Surfing the Web with a Screen Reader: AccessIT demonstration of a screen reader

Demonstration

9

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?

10

<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?

11

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

12

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

13

Magnification options LD/literacy tool Key board skills Touch screen use Verbosity Voice options Braille compatibility

Features to consider

14

“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

15

Advanced use at work and/or school Spread sheets Editing or publishing documents Using specialized programs“Scripting” options

Additional Considerations

16

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

17

Mac has accessible key board options

iPad can be supplemented with Bluetooth keyboards for print or Braille

Using a Keyboard with Apple

18

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

19

Check out the website All Hot Keys: Your source of hotkeys and shortcuts for software.

for operating systems, browsers and more.

Keyboarding

20

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

21

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

22

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

23

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

24

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

25

Non visual Desktop -NVDA 

Thunder  System Access to

Go (when on line)

Free Screen Readers - Windows

26

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

27

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

28

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

29

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

30

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

31

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

32

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

33

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

34

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

35

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

36

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

37

Cathy McAdam AT Project Coordinator

MDRC mcmcadam@mymdrc.or

g 313.563.1412

Contact Information