[Web4lib] accessibility software for public PCs

[Chadwick, John, DCA]

We have JAWS running on the public computer in our library for the blind
and physically handicapped. On all of our public machines we have
installed a freeware program called Virtual Magnifying Glass.

http://magnifier.sourceforge.net/

It doesn't have all the extras that JAWS has, but it works nice and our
patrons appreciate it.

John

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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John Chadwick, Ed.D. Information Technology Manager
New Mexico State Library
1209 Camino Carlos Rey
Santa Fe, NM 87507
Phone: 505-476-9740  Cell: 505-629-8116 Fax: 505-476-9761
john.chadwick at state.nm.us
http://www.stlib.state.nm.us

-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Thomas Bennett
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 12:33 PM
To: web4lib at webjunction.org
Subject: Re: [Web4lib] accessibility software for public PCs

  We are using JAWS as well as Kurzweil 3000.

  Also, you may want to look at the built-in features of Opera browser
for 
Windows.  With a scroll button mouse you can use the control key and
scroll 
button to zoom in and out of a page.  This zooms images as well as text
which 
you don't usually get by changing font size on the browser.  The
built-in 
text to speech is very good on the Windows version.  Highlight text and
right 
click "speak".  The first time you do this it has to download the
support 
files first but this is one time only.  And I think you can set it to
read 
every new page that is opened.  Opera also has voice navigation built
in.  
Opera could prove to be a very viable solution for assisted access
without 
extra software and it is free and fast.

FYI, the linux version doesn't have all of the voice or speak support.

Thomas


PS: did I mentioned I like Opera ;-)

On Monday 17 December 2007 11:42, Gillian Wiseman wrote:
> I've been asked to look into software (particularly screen
magnification
> and screen reading programs) for our library's public access
computers. I'm
> sure there are many options, but if anyone can clue me in to what the
best
> options are, I'd be very appreciative. Also, if there are any sites or
> books that would help me understand the requirements and limitations
of
> available products, that would be very helpful. We're in a Windows XP
> environment, with no plans to upgrade anytime in the next year. Thank
you
> in advance, and I'll summarize any off-list responses to the list in a
> couple of days.
>
> Gillian Wiseman
> Electronic Resources Librarian
> Waco-McLennan County Library
> (254)750-5944
> gwiseman at ci.waco.tx.us
>
> _______________________________________________
> Web4lib mailing list
> Web4lib at webjunction.org
> http://lists.webjunction.org/web4lib/

-- 
====================================================================
Thomas McMillan Grant Bennett		Appalachian State University
Operations & Systems Analyst		P O Box 32026
University Library				Boone, North Carolina
28608
(828) 262 6587

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  As videos could be 25
pictures 
per second and might last several minutes, how many words is that? 
- Linux Journal, July 2007

Library Systems Help Desk: http://www.library.appstate.edu/help/
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