Visual And Voice Aids For The Visually Impaired PC User

There are special software programs available to enlarge print and graphics on computer screens. Sometimes this software creates problems for computers in a network, though there should be no problem with stand-alone computers. These products enable the visually impaired to read a computer screen with ease. These products enlarge print on the screen up to two or three inches tall. Print size is adjustable. People with a very low visual acuity can usually use them. Test a product before buying it, or make sure that you have return privileges if it is ordered from an online catalog.

Carefully study the description of each product for needed features and hardware requirements. Large-print stick-on labels affixed to the keys of the keyboard help the partially sighted computer user. These come in both black letters on a white background and white letters on a black background. The letters and numbers are usually large and bold, and there are labels for special keys.

Today, voice synthesizers can be added to a computer's software package to make a computer talk. Voice-recognition software is also available that allows the user to give the computer voice commands and to dictate text. Inquire about Microsoft's Speech, Dictation, and Voice software. MS Voice allows the user to give voice commands, such as "Start Microsoft Word," to the computer. MS Dictation allows the user to dictate letters or other text into the computer. Despite decades of research in this field, the accuracy rate for transcribing voice into text on the screen remains at about 90 to 95%. The software has provisions for correcting these mistakes.

People with a vision of 20/120 may use a computer successfully with a special work-area modification. They may use a platform with a built-to-hold the monitor at eye level and bring it closer to the face. They could mount a small fluorescent-light fixture under this shelf to illuminate the keyboard and use glasses with +18 D. lenses to read the screen.

Several other possibilities exist for those with only modest visual impairment. None of the following methods will help patients with significant vision loss. The standard screen used with computers measures about fifteen inches. Substituting a nineteen-inch screen makes the print on the screen two times larger. Monitors are available with screens even larger than nineteen inches. The larger the screen, the larger the print.

The Macintosh computer includes a feature to enlarge the print. Let a dealer demonstrate it for you. Microsoft Windows also includes a feature to enlarge print on the screen. Some, but not all, features in Windows allow you to select the size font you wish to use.

Those using DOS-based software might try using the DOS MODE command to change from an eighty-column display to forty. To do this, type in MODE 40 from a C:\ prompt. This command can also be placed in your autoexec.bat file so that it is executed each time you turn on the computer. This will increase print size on the screen.