Computer For The Blind

I understand that visually they have no need for them, but I was contemplating HCI and disabilities and wondered whether or not the programs which read the text aloud require a monitor to be in place.

And, truth be told, I had a sudden flash of how odd it would be to walk through an office type situation to find one worker typing and clicking away without the aid of a screen.

Good morrow my merry milk maids!

I am a blind computer user, and I'm friends with many blind computer users and even computer programmers. For the most part, blind computer users do have monitors, even if they are totally blind and could never use one. No, JAWS and other screen reading software do not depend on the monitor at all. The monitor and the speakers are just two different output devices that can be used to access the same information. The reason blind people still have monitors is twofold. First, you'll be hard pressed to find a Dell rep or other computer store that will sell you a computer or laptop without a monitor, and most people aren't going to know how or aren't going to bother to remove a monitor from a laptop or discard a monitor that came with a desktop. Second, and most importantly, computers encounter errors, and sometimes for what ever reason, speech can be disabled or can't be accessed at all. When this happens, someone has to fix the machine, and that someone is going to need output other than speech.

I do know people who removed the monitors from their laptops to make them lighter, more power efficient, and easier to store in a backpack, but then when they had computer problems, they couldn't get anything fixed because speech wasn't working and there was no other output available.

2010-02-04 12:45:45 by Britannia Boy

PLEASE READ! Freetaught films me as I'm using the computer. No one better ask me again how I can type, if I'm "really" blind. I ...

The NFB is doing a Meet the Blind month, and I want to do something in the local area that would really make a difference. Some of the things I thought of were Q&A sessions at hospitals, nursing homes, and schools for staff, having classes for the sighted in Braille at the local library (this has proved quite popular with children especially in the past that the NFB had done it), and doing a class on what it is like to be blind (not the 'put your blindfolds on' type, but where we show how to use a cane, how a person eats, cleans, and uses a computer blind, and other activities, to show them that it's not that hard if you have the skills). But all of these things have been done before many times. I want something really different that maybe no one has done before, or that many people don't do for one reason or another, but that will have a lasting and good influence on people's attitudes about blindness.

Doe anyone have any good ideas?

(And yes, I am blind. And if you ask how I use a computer, I will come thru the computer and smakck you...no, not really. I use JAWS, a screenreader that reads everything that is on the computer screen)

Can only suggest to do one of the things you have already mention. Perhaps they have been done before, however there are always new people who have not witnessed them. They may be old news to you but they are interesting to those who have never witnessed them.

2009-08-24 08:04:48 by Jewel

Price: $397.00

I'm unemployed but i want to do something. Currently my job search is gong nowhere...I have been unemployed for a long time. I want to start at least a volunteer job. The job is a teacher for the blind, teaching computers. It says no experience needed, just know about microsoft apps, and internet.
i'm 27 and SHY/QUIET. is it even worth it if i'm shy... especially since to the blind people hearing is important and im not that good at speaking.

ABSOLUTELY DO IT! In this world, doors of opportunity present themselves when you don't expect them - who knows what could come from this? The people you meet, the contacts you make? Not only would you be doing something that brings strength to your heart, it may be the light at the end of your tunnel! Go for it!

2007-01-31 14:06:51 by pavetGuy

Price: $39.99

I am 27 years old. Between 1997 and 2005 I would say my prescription was the same (-6.50 & -6.00 ). During the last two years I have been working behind the computer a lot more frequently because of my job.. I went up to a -7.50 right eye & -7.00 left eye. Ok so it freaks me out a bit cause I am already as blind as a bat. So is the computer going to continue to make me blind? I don't have to be on it all the time at work frankly I seldom have work to do.. I am just bored as hell like I am now and think using the computer is the best way to at least pretend that I am actually working. I wear contacts during the day and glasses when i get home by the way. I have considered lasik surgery but right now I am trying to buy new furniture for my apartment so it's not in my budget.

Because you are staring at a computer screen, your eyes for the most part, do not blink unless you look away. That causes eye strain. Add to the fact that the monitor screens (even the latest ones) are found to be harmful to the eyes, especially when looking at it in the dark, it can lead to blindness in the long run.

Blinking is important to keep your eyes at rest and fully focused. So try to have your eyes blink at least once every three minutes (better if you can blink once a minute). Also, try not to stare at the computer for too long and allow your eyes to rest and focus something else, such as reading a document in your office space or doing paperwork by hand. Seeing that you use the computer all day, it's suggested that you leave your computer for 15-30 minutes for every 3 hours you spent working on it.

2007-06-28 11:44:52 by Helpless Victim

The computer itself doesn't talk, special software does--Jaws and Window-Eyes are the two major products. Any computer that has their hardware requirements will work, so you can buy a computer through any reputable dealer.
http://www.freedomscientific.com/fs_prod ucts/software_jaws.asp
http://www.gwmicro.com/
In the United States, Assistive Technology is coordinated within each state, allowing for demos and training in many areas:
http://www.resna.org/taproject/at/statec ontacts.html

2007-03-17 00:17:00 by c b