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 $  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 readerAccessIT 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 Enter your first name: 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/  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.All Hot Keys: Your source of hotkeys and shortcuts for software. 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 MAC Examples:  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) WebinarEASI) Webinar Compare/Contrast

32 The Visually Impaired Information Center 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.freedom stick 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   Contact Information