Computers and Accessories

Many types of computer adaptations have been designed to aid persons with blindness or visual impairment, ranging in application and price.

Devices range from screen magnifiers from 1.2 to 16X, and color contrasting software programs (also available as features on all operating systems and some browsers today) to screen-reading software that audibly reads computer screen contents aloud with synthetic voice. Screen readers differ from text-to-speech programs which read text aloud in that screen readers will read aloud alt text if available, identify icons and graphics and assist the user in understanding where on the screen or what objects/links, etc. are present. Synthetic voices range in quality from one product to another. Some programs offer a range of male or female voices. Talking clocks and other small devices usually come with a preset voice.

Text scanning is accomplished through optical character recognition (OCRs) or large, flatbed scanners for big documents, such as blueprints or architectural drawings. Often copied documents produce a graphic and the text is viewed as an object/picture/graphic, but not text.  OCR converts that image into text that can be read aloud or manipulated. Once converted, text  can be read aloud via synthetic voice—from hypertext markup language (html) on the Internet, to plain or rich text used in countless programs. One may also utilize a closed circuit television (CCTV) or a stand-alone magnifier to see labels, hand-written notes, or virtually anything magnified into very large form. Some scanners even read bar codes off of groceries and other products.

Braille keyboards, refreshable Braille, and Braille embossers or printers are useful to persons who read Braille. Other tactile devices, such as keys that make clicking sounds, or disabling unused keys with shields offer options. Tactile or Braille labelers keeps everything identified. Screen navigation controls can make navigation easier.

To locate dealers, see Infinitec's resources below and throughout the Resource Guide, but also ask your peers what they use. Finding appropriate devices entirely depends on two things: ability and preference. It's best to find a dealer who offers a full range of adaptive tools. The companies listed below represent some of the more popular tools but there are virtually hundreds of assistive technology companies. Take your time experimenting with various kinds of adapted computer devices until you find the tools that are truly useful and that you feel comfortable using. Give yourself time to learn each device and ask a lot of questions—prepare a list of concerns ahead of time.

General:

Freedom Scientific Inc.
Email: info@freedomscientific.com 
Freedom Scientific is the world's leading manufacturer of technology products for those who are blind and vision impaired including software, such as the JAWS® for Windows screen reader, notetakers, Braille displays, embossers and products for the special education and learning disability markets. Freedom Scientific's mission is to develop, manufacture and market innovative technology-based products and services that those with vision impairments and learning disabilities use to change their world.

All-Purpose Computer
The PAC Mate Omni is portable computer with built-in Jaws for speech or Braille access to Windows Mobile applications (Word, Excel, etc.) for people who are blind.  Available from Freedom Scientific.

Hitec Group International
World distributors of all types of assistive communication devices—for persons with blindness, visual impairments, hearing loss, and speech and mobility impairments

The NFB Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access to Education, Public Information and Commerce (CENA)
National Federation of the Blind

Includes the International Braille and Technology Center for the Blind (IBTC): an evaluation, demonstration and training center offering vendor-free advice on all aspects of technology. Call 410.659.9314, option 5 or email: access@nfb.org to schedule a visit. 

Includes Technology Resource List from notetakers to talking books. Includes contact info for manufacturer. Braille file can be downloaded here.

Includes Access Technology Blog for tips and first-hand stories about using access technology.

Includes Technology Help Line at 410.659.9314, option 5.

Includes a Consumer Electronics Shopping Guide of usable appliances and devices. 

Includes Nonvisual Election Technology – curriculum and information about voting for blind and visually impaired people.

Lighthouse International
Services for low vision and blindness including early intervention, rehabilitation training, orientation and mobility, occuapational therapy, career and social services, AT training and more.

Humanware
Provides products for blindness, low vision and deafblind communication.

Ultratec 
Carries phones that display captions, TTYs, signalers and amplified phones.

Braille Devices (also see Note Takers below):

Refreshable Braille Displays are electronic devices that are used to read text that is typically displayed visually on a computer monitor. The device is connected to the computer via a serial or USB cable and produces Braille output on the Braille display— round-tipped pins raised through holes in a flat surface. See this link for a video on screen reading technology and refreshable braille displays.

Alva Access Group, Inc. 
Produces braille displays. Products are typically carried by other vendors such as Vision Cue, Freedom Scientific or Humanware.

Freedom Scientific, Inc., Blind/Low Vision Group 
Has a family of refreshable Braille display products

Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD)
Louis Braille of France invented Braille, a system of raised dots that is read with the fingers, in the early 1800s. It has historically been embossed on paper but as a result of computer technology, Braille readers may now access Web-Braille digital Braille book files with a computer and a refreshable Braille display or a Braille embosser.

The Library of Congress provides BARD on the Internet for blind and visually impaired library users. This free library service of recorded and braille books and magazines for individuals who are unable to read or use standard printed material because of visual or physical disabilities. You must be a National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) patron to obtain BARD materials. You can register for BARD here.

A BARD mobile app is available for iOS and an Android one is in development.

Labeler/Identification Devices:

En-Vision America
800.890.1180 
Create your own bar code and label products in your home.  Use the voice-enabled products i.d.mate, to then read the bar code and identify the product.

Braille Bookstore
Carries handheld Braille labeler or try Amazon 

LS&S 
Carries handheld Braille labeler and more items – alerting devices, low vision electronics, telephones, AT, Braille products, etc.

Screen Reading and Magnification:

OpenBook from Freedom Scientific
OpenBook converts printed documents or graphic-based text into digital text, uses speech and optical character recognition (OCR). Can scan bound books using the Pearl document camera.

WindowEyes™ BY G.W. Micro, Inc.
Carries WindowEyes screen reading software.

JAWS from Freedom Scientific
Screen reader that enables independent computer access with a keyboard, speech or Braille display.

Dolphin SuperNova
Provides screen reading and magnification.

Zoomtext from aiSquared
Screen reader and magnification software. Enlarges, enhances and reads everything on the computer screen.

Here is a link from the American Foundation for the Blind that lists screen reading products and links to the company. 

Note Takers (also see Braille Devices above):

Perkins Solutions
Carries a large selection of notetakers.

Reference:

Closing the Gap
Organization provides information on all types of assistive technology. Hosts annual convention in Minneapolis in October, webinars, newsletters, guides, articles on state-of-the-art technology.

Sensory Access Foundation
1142 West Evelyn Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(also offices in San Francisco and Santa Rosa)
408.245.7330

Provides training for blind and visually impaired to obtain or retain competitive employment.