“By creating we think, by living we learn” Patrick Geddes
Computer Generated Speech and Braille Output
Computer generated text-to-speech software enables text on the computer screen to be read out by the computer. Some systems have a synchronised speech facility which means that each word is highlighted as it is read. This can be a useful facility for people with reading difficulties and can be used as a means of proof reading their typing. If used in conjunction with a scanner, this software provides a way of reading written documents. Some of this software will provide full screen reading facilities, others will only read text within documents.
Computer generated Braille output uses a keyboard with a refreshable Braille display. These keyboards mirror up to one line (80 characters) of the computer screen display at a time and provide a means for Braille readers to read the text on the screen and check their own typing.
Screen Magnification and Screen Reading
Screen magnification software is useful for people with visual difficulties as it enables all of the elements of a computer screen to be magnified up to 16 times its original size. This includes any text, icons, buttons and menus. Some screen magnification software also allows for different magnification types e.g. whole screen, horizontal split, magnifying glass and for quick access to frequently used parts of the screen such as menu and scroll bars.
Screen reading software is useful for people with visual and/or reading difficulties as it enables any text anywhere on the screen to be read out using computer-generated text-to-speech. This includes text on menu bars, within menus and within dialogue boxes.
Document Scanning
Document scanning requires an external scanner attached to a computer and can be useful for people with reading difficulties. It can be used in conjunction with text-to-speech software to read out scanned documents. It can also be used with word processing software to alter the style of the text in the original document e.g. the font size, colour or type, to suit the preference of the reader.
Voice Recognition
Voice recognition software enables speech to be converted into text on the computer screen and can also allow complete hands free control of the computer i.e. applications can be opened, text can be entered and edited, files can be saved and documents can be printed all by voice. This can be useful for people with physical difficulties who are unable to use a keyboard and/or mouse.
Voice recognition software can also be useful for people with writing difficulties, particularly for those who have a preference for dictation. However, voice recognition software requires the user to train the computer to recognise their voice and this typically involves reading lists of words, sentences and sometimes paragraphs of text. Hence, the user needs to have sufficient reading skills in order to train the system effectively. Some systems provide proof reading facilities in the form of computer generated text-to-speech of the text on screen which can be compared with a recording of the user's voice. This can help identify any word recognition errors.
Voice recognition systems learn each time they are used but in order to improve accuracy it is vital that any word recognition errors are identified and corrections are made and saved in the user's speech files. Specialist vocabulary can be added but the system needs to be trained to recognise each new word which is not in its original dictionary.
Word Prediction
Word prediction software tries to predict the word the user wants to type based on the preceding words typed. Typically a panel of words is presented based on the previous word/s typed then based on the initial letters of the next word as these are typed. This is particularly useful for slow typists or for those whose word recognition is better than their spelling. The more this software is used the better it gets at predicting the words typically used. Specialist vocabulary can be added as an additional dictionary to improve the accuracy of the prediction.
Virtual Keyboards and Switch Systems
Virtual keyboards are on-screen emulations of letter, number and function keys which are normally accessed by fingers tapping a keyboard. This software is typically used in conjunction with a switch system which is used to access the on-screen keyboard as it scans row by row then letter by letter of the keyboard. Text is entered by hitting the switch when the desired letter is highlighted. Some systems also have a word prediction facility which can speed up the text entry process. Switches can be operated by hand, foot, head or other body movements including eye movements for those with severe physical disabilities. The use of on-screen keyboards with a switch system is generally a slow process and if clear speech is possible then a voice recognition system offering complete hands free control may be a more viable alternative.
Mouse and Keyboard Adaptations
There is a wide range of different mouse and keyboard options to suit individual needs and preferences. Adaptations to the traditional mouse and keyboard include trackerballs, joysticks, ergonomic keyboards and the use of keyguards for those with fine motor control difficulties. The addition of a keyboard and mouse wrist rest can help prevent repetitive strain injuries as can the use of an ergonomically designed keyboard which ensures that hands, wrists and fingers are supported when accessing the keys.
Document Magnifiers
Document magnifiers can enable people with visual difficulties to read and write e.g. to complete forms and cheques, to read handouts and books, or to write notes by enlarging the size of the text on the original document. Some systems are small and portable, others use a CCTV system to enlarge the text of documents placed on an integral viewing table. The colour of the text and background can also be altered on some CCTV systems which can be useful for people with reading difficulties.
Personal Listening Systems
Personal listening systems include radio and infra red transmitter and receivers. These enable people with hearing difficulties to hear what is said in large or small group situations with or without additional hearing aids.
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