Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Helping a friend with visual disabilities access computer (self.Blind)
submitted 7y ago by a_little_motel
I am a special education teacher and I've taken a class on assistive technology as well as teaching several blind students. However, my knowledge is kind of old. I have a dear friend that has an illness that is taking away his eyesight very quickly. He is in the process of getting referred to an agency that helps people with visual impairments. In the meantime, I volunteered to help him set up his computer so he can access it. I am familiar with JAWS and screen readers, but what else should I know? Anything we use would have to be free as we are both disabled now and on limited incomes. Thanks!
geoffisblind 2 points
My two tools are Zoomtext 10 and NVDA. I haven't tried JAWS yet because of the price barrier. It looks like an agency I'm working with is going to be giving me JAWS in the coming months, although I don't know how it is going to be better than NVDA. I'd say you can't go wrong with NVDA. I do like Zoomtext since I still try to make use of the functional vision I have. Zoomtext is good as a transitional piece of software while you are getting into screen readers. However it certainly is not cheap. My copy was purchased through an agency for my education a few years back and I think it ran around $600-$700 USD and AiSquared charges for upgrades. I'd say start with NVDA and reassess what is needed further down the road. You can also get in touch with a local Lighthouse type organization and see if you can write a grant for software like JAWS if you decide you want it.
fastfinge 2 points
JAWS is insanely, incredibly expensive. If you're on Windows, $1 is a completely free option, and in my opinion, it's even much better than JAWS. NVDA is open source, and developed entirely by blind programmers. For a web browser, Firefox is you're best bet, and Thunderbird is the most accessible option for email.
If you're on mac, of course, you get a screen-reader built in for free. And the built-in mail app and web browser are perfectly accessible, and your best option on mac.
If you're on mac, of course, you get a screen-reader built in for free. And the built-in mail app and web browser are perfectly accessible, and your best option on mac.
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geoffisblind 2 points
This feature is sooo nice on Mac. It's the feature I miss most from my old MacBook Pro. I find Zoomtext is more powerful with things like programmable hot keys, freeze windows, and tons of color adjustment options; but Mac totally has Zoomtext beat in terms of flawless integration with the rest of the OS.
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geoffisblind 2 points
Having low vision and Windows is tough... I have had experience with both operating systems (I used my MacBook Pro with OSX for two years and switched back to Windows). Apple is definitely more squared away with accessibility in all of their products. However I'm a Windows fanboy to the death, so I'm going to continue to make it harder on myself :) Both definitely have merits, I like the overall flexibility that Windows gives me, OSX has always felt very locked down. That being said I'm strongly considering getting a new MacBook Pro for college and I'll probably partition the drive so I can get the best of both worlds because I know OSX is more accessible but I don't want to give up Windows. Either way it looks like Zoomtext, NVDA, and maybe JAWS are going to continue to be in my life for the foreseeable future because there is no way I'm entirely giving up Windows.
Nighthawk321 1 points
Do not use JAWS, period. It's insanely overpriced and does less than NVDA, witch is free.
a_little_motel [OP] 1 points
Thanks.
Unuhi 1 points
An alternative to NVDA is getting a Mac or an iOS device - they come with VoiceOver and that's pretty easy to learn.
a_little_motel [OP] 1 points
We are both waiting on SSDI right now- he's getting progressively more physically disabled so I don't think he could afford a device.
geoffisblind 1 points
If I can make a recommendation, depending on your area you may have organizations that can help with getting devices. Most of my low vision equipment has come from a non-profit in the area providing me with my gear. They equipped me with a Davinci CCTV, Eschenbach Smartlux video magnifier, canes, monoculars, lens magnifiers, and an iPad. This is on top of three weeks of intensive O&M training that has made me much more confident in my mobility. State agencies can also help as they are for me right now. Unfortunately blind/ low vision gear is really not cheap. The most well known software for people who blind and visually impaired can be over $600 USD and can go up to easily over $1,000 USD. I personally would not be able to afford all of the equipment and software I have acquired without writing grants and applying for services from state and private organizations/ agencies.
Edit: I just realized that I overlooked the part where you said you were in the process of applying to an agency, stil can't hurt to look for more though.
Edit: I just realized that I overlooked the part where you said you were in the process of applying to an agency, stil can't hurt to look for more though.
a_little_motel [OP] 1 points
We live in such a rural county I wonder what that is.
geoffisblind 1 points
That makes it harder... Maybe look for your nearest big city with an organization and see if they will still offer services, I know mine has a radius of service that's at least 100 miles. The Department of Social Services should also still be able to help you, there offices will probably be in the nearest larger city.
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