Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Looking to help someone use a computer again. (self.Blind)
submitted 8y ago by scootersbricks
This post is on behalf of my dad, who has worked as an occupational therapist for the last 25 years or so. He is looking for resources to help a patient who used to have some eyesight and used to be able to use a computer with a high contrast display. The patient's eyesight has degraded over time, and the patient is now legally blind and has basically no ability to view a computer screen anymore.
My dad is looking for free or very low cost software that would allow this person to use an average Windows computer (likely Windows 7) to carry out normal computing functions. The user would need to be able to use word processing, the calculator, possibly spreadsheets, and of course surf the Web.
In my limited experience with web design I know that websites are supposed to be formatted in such a way that screen readers can easily read them for visually impaired users. I know that the user probably won't be able to use every website on the Internet, but this user would like at least some Internet and computer access.
TL:DR - Looking for resources to help a now blind person with some past computer experience get back to using a computer. Since my dad would be paying out of pocket (he goes above and beyond) for this individual, cost is a factor.
My dad is looking for free or very low cost software that would allow this person to use an average Windows computer (likely Windows 7) to carry out normal computing functions. The user would need to be able to use word processing, the calculator, possibly spreadsheets, and of course surf the Web.
In my limited experience with web design I know that websites are supposed to be formatted in such a way that screen readers can easily read them for visually impaired users. I know that the user probably won't be able to use every website on the Internet, but this user would like at least some Internet and computer access.
TL:DR - Looking for resources to help a now blind person with some past computer experience get back to using a computer. Since my dad would be paying out of pocket (he goes above and beyond) for this individual, cost is a factor.
scootersbricks [OP] 1 points
Thanks to everyone who commented or private messaged me. How are the learning curves on these products in general? Is it something that I can set up for them and then show them how to use? Are there points when using it that they will need some direct interaction from someone with full eyesight?
jage9 1 points
I think it depends on how they learn. Having past computer experience helps immensely since you don't have to explain basic things like what the task bar or desktop are. There's a variety of tutorials out there, moreso for Jaws and Window-Eyes, but also some for NVDA I believe as well. Basically, if they know computers, it's just learning some keyboard commands and how to interact using the keyboard vs. a mouse. I've simplified that a bit but you get the idea. For instance, there's keys when you're in a web browser to jump by headings, tables, links, etc. This is where those websites that are well-designed work a bit better since there's easy ways to jump around. HTH
coolestnameavailable 1 points
Windows Eyes is the program my blind friend uses.
thatblindseeress 1 points
If you are looking for free/no cost then NVDA is one way to go http://www.nvaccess.org/
Depending on level of vision left JAWS, Zoomtext, Magic, and ~~Windows Eyes~~ are all options but they cost money. Like a lot of money. There are circumstances that local Division of Blind Services would help pay for these things so having your dad connect his client with the local Division of Blind Services office would be beneficial.
They also can help with a lot of other resources and training.
Edit: If you have Microsoft Office you can get Windows Eyes for free at $1
Depending on level of vision left JAWS, Zoomtext, Magic, and ~~Windows Eyes~~ are all options but they cost money. Like a lot of money. There are circumstances that local Division of Blind Services would help pay for these things so having your dad connect his client with the local Division of Blind Services office would be beneficial.
They also can help with a lot of other resources and training.
Edit: If you have Microsoft Office you can get Windows Eyes for free at $1
jage9 1 points
Window-Eyes now has $1 if you have Microsoft Office or Office 365 installed.
mrkamikaze5 1 points
Get Jaws by Freedom Scientific.
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