If you are just beginning to think about using a computer, someone may be reading this on your behalf.  The easy online tutorial offered by ESP is now fully accessible for those using magnification or a screen reader. GDABVI was awarded grants from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and the Edward T. & Ellen K. Dryer Charitable Foundation to make ExperienceSeniorPower (ESP) Computer Training software accessible for the blind and visually impaired.

This first article is to let you know about two free products you can use to magnify the screen, and/or use a screen reader that echoes back what you have typed on the screen, using synthesized speech.  The magnification is much higher than that used inside Windows because many people with low vision need really big print.  Of course, then the words take up more space on the screen, so you may want to use your keyboard instead of the mouse and the tutorial will help with that.

If you have no vision, you can still navigate around the site and perhaps with the help of a family member, begin to learn or relearn how to write documents.  ESP has been helping kids teach grandparents for some time, and now it’s your turn to work on your own or with that budding genius in your family!

GDABVI promotes independence for blind and visually impaired persons, and sees the computer as one more tool to help be successful for both leisure activities and work.

You can download a free magnification program, lightning express at www.xpscreenreader.com

And a free screen reader, NVDA at www.nvda-project.org.

If your computer is newer you might want to try www.satogo.com.

In my next article I’ll cover other tips, but you can email me with questions as you go forward at mcadam@gdabvi.org

For more information, visit http://www.gdabvi.org.

The accessible computer-training program (ACT), begun in June 2005, is coordinated with four libraries for the blind and visually impaired in Detroit/Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties, in southeast Michigan. This is a two-fold program offering training to tutors using screen reading and magnification technology, and providing peer tutoring to library patrons in basic computer skills, typing, keyboarding, the internet and email.  ACT uses the Internet as a means of teaching the windows environment and promoting awareness and use of computers for blind low vision users.  ACT also provides information and referrals for other community based programs and assistive technology.