RVI Eye Dep. User Group Web Site
Computer Access and Training
Computers can be a communications aid for the Visually Impaired. Aided by special software tools (details below) which can speak to you and enlarge displays. You can write letters, reports, books, memoirs etc, keep financial and other records, access CD rom information, browse the internet and send electronic mail.There is now an internet worldwide blind persons radio service on www.acbradio.org sponsored by the American Council for the Blind.
It is very IMPORTANT that if you are buying new equipment that you get the proper advice. In particular a large screen (terminal) is essential for the partially sighted. Usually a 21" (nominal size) is the minimum, certain peripherals are also sensible. If you cannot touch type then large keyboard stickers could be a help.
Specialist software can magnify parts of the screen and/or read text to you, called screen readers and screen magnifiers, these tools are the main way in which a VI can use a computer. Many work with most applications and help gain access to things like e-mail and the internet, although some web sites defy such help! Again it is important that you seek advice on those products, as all have pro's and cons. In particular some will refuse to work with certain screen settings which other applications may demand. Some products and agents are listed below.
Also some software can take dictation and perform spoken computing commands, but they do usually require a lot of training and difficulties can arise when running at the same time as other background software such as magnifiers. By using a flatbed scanner, printed documents (of the scanner size) can be read to you in one or several stages.
If you are new to the technology you will need learning help.
Some technical guidance and limited demonstrations are available, by appointment, from Newcastle Job Centre Disability Unit (0191) 220 8985.
Book on floppy: 'Accessing the Internet from the keyboard the Windows way.' John Wilson, 2000. Available for sale (cost £10) on floppy disk or by e-mail transfer from John Wilson. Telephone 0113-257 5957. (not seen)
Local Voluntary Organisations provide free training on suitable equipment - give them a ring.
Various educational centres run computer courses with specialist software.
Newcastle College, Rye Hill (0191) 200 4397
Ability Centre, Lynwood Business Park ( 0191) 273 3233
Computer Courses on Cassette Tape: DAWN 4 tapes on Computing for Beginners for the Blind for Win 95 or 98 and any! screen reader.
HELP!
RNIB Hi Tech Unit: 01733 37 0777
RNIB Computer Volunteers: 0845 6042341
RNIB Resource Centre: 0171 388 1266
Foundation of Communications for the Disabled:
FCD: 01932 33 6512
Specialist software Agents:
Sight and Sound Technology: 01604 798070 www.sightandsound.co.uk
Professional Vision Services: 01462 42 0751
Email: ProfessionalVision@compuserve.com
PulseData Intl.(UK) Ltd: 01933 62 6000 www.pulsedata.co.nz
Email: PulseData@compuserve.com
Technovision Systems 01604 792777
AlphaVision Ltd: 01494 883838
Email: access@alphavis.demon.co.uk
Concept Systems: 0115 925 5988 (Keyboard Stickers Etc.,)
Email: admin@visaid.demon.co.uk
Kid Gloves: 01923 422 660 (Keyboards and special keyboard overlays) order direct from www.kidglove.co.uk but note your keyboard make number and FCC type first.
Specialist software manufacturers, whose products are supplied by various of the above (all non UK unless stated)
Most have demonstration versions available which are usually time limited.
AiSquared (Zoomtext &c.,) www.aisquared.com
Henter Joyce (Jaws and Magic &c.,) www.hj.com
F.H.Rapenmeier (Visulex LP-Win &c.,) www.papenmeier.de
UK - Dolphin (Supoernova, Hal &c.,) www.dolphinuk.co.uk
A new 2000 UK market entry for £80 a screen reader 'Lookout' from Choice Technology & Training (with magnifier scheduled for late 2000 and more enhancements later) 01733 234 441 E-Mail mail@choicetech.co.uk
Above is only a selection more info at http://www.rnib.org.uk/technology/
Windows 98 has a built in magnifier which is of limited use.
Specialist User Help:
VDU Computer User Group: Self help group which reviews new hard and software for PC's. Membership only requires you to supply a C90 cassette and wallet. Ring Mike Cassidy 01493 440860
For pro. computer users: B.C.A.B. British Computer Association for the Blind 01494 794797. Email BCAB@ED.AC.UK Site WWW.BCAB.org.uk
A possible alternative to a large screen might be the new Olympus Eyetrack headup 'virtual image' similar to the VMax display which accepts input from either computer or TV Tel: 0207 253 0513
New Site listings for some of your PC woes and queries:
Microsoft software help: www.microsoft.com/uk/pchelpcentre/
Browser with intruder prevention: www.safeweb.com
Techies Guide: www.pctechguide.com
Hardware Guide: www.tomshardware.com
General PC guide: www.winfile.com
Speedtester: http://msn.zdnet.com/partners/msn/bandwidth/speedtest50.htm
That lot should keep you happy for a while.