The best screen readers for the blind allow you to run apps, send emails, browse the web, etc. Some of them help visually impaired people by reading the text aloud, whereas others can convert text into Braille if a user has a Braille display.
The market offers a great variety of screen readers that are compatible with all major OS, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. Some are free of charge, while others might cost up to $100.
The best programs have advanced features, can read and spell words, tell you the position of the cursor or how to find a file you need to open. They allow searching for the string of text on the display, using the menu, etc. Besides, a virtual assistant speaks in a pleasant and natural-sounding voice.
Verdict: The JAWS screen reader was developed by the US Department of Defense and is now widely used by US military personnel. The user can activate or inhibit the screen reader with a remote control, a wireless device or a combination of both. It can also be used simply to control the operation of the PC by minimizing the desktop wallpaper and performing other tasks that are related to the PC. JAWS can be used on PC and large screen laptops that supported Windows 98, XP or Vista.
JAWS is capable of controlling most Windows PC functions and software such as antivirus programs. JAWS provides extensive support for various languages such as Spanish, Korean, Chinese and Japanese. To use JAWS you should have an appropriate physical keyboard and a PC that operate in the language you wish to control.
Verdict: NVDA or Nonvisual Desktop Access is a freely available, open source, portable screen read-only application for Microsoft Windows. It supports data interchange between the NV Access and WMI types via an XML-like protocol. This technology allows users to use any application on a non-Microsoft Windows system and take advantage of the multi-functional abilities of the application.
With this software you can listen text and search information in just few steps. It has a synthetic voice and available in multiple languages.
Verdict: The Dolphin Screen Reader provides an unprecedented level of convenience to the visually impaired user, making using a computer more of an enjoyable and less frustrating experience. It provides easy access to large text areas via the Dolphin popup menu, so users can easily navigate between paragraphs and focus on the content that they are reading in the text editor.
Dolphin's screen reader technology makes it possible to view the screen of any computer at normal size or any larger, allowing the user to read without the need for a magnifying glass or other special reading equipment. Dolphin's screen reader technology also allows the disabled user to change the font size from any size to any size, allowing them to increase or decrease the amount of legibility that they are able to read on their screen.
Verdict: The Serotek System Access enables those with impaired sight to operate sophisticated computers. There are several unique features that make the Serotek System Access much more user-friendly and practical than similar software. Features include: instant setup and power on/off, single key operation, constant monitor refresh, dedicated keypad, over scan and under scan features.
Serotek also has an integrated key-lock facility which is accessed by a single-finger swipe. In addition to these features, there are also several add-ons that can be used to customize the reader according to individual user requirements. These add-ons include: Serotek PowerPoint demos, Serotek Certification, Serotek Test, and High Definition Image.
Verdict: The Apple VoiceOver helps visually impaired users to use the computer. Braille technology was used in the development of the screen reader, allowing it to read Braille text rather than using the font styles found on normal text keyboards.
There are several different features available in this screen reader to make it easier for the user. One of these features is the ability to use visual trackball which allows the user to easily move from one area of the screen to another. The users can also use a finger or a stylus rather than a mouse when moving the cursor over the screen. If you want to create text files faster, you can use voice to text apps.
Verdict: People who are visually impaired will find that the Orca are a great benefit to them because they are able to get the information that they need. Being unable to see well enough to read labels, read manuals, and understand what you are buying means that you are more likely to make a mistake when buying a product. When you have the Orca system, you can rest assured that you are not making any mistakes because you can simply glance at the instructions to see how to use the product.
When people use the Orca product, they are given the option to either purchase a book that has been previously published or to use the Orca software program to reprogram their computers so that they read these books electronically. In addition, this software is great to have around for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, which allows them to enjoy more entertainment options at home as well as giving them more options for what they can do at work.
Verdict: You don't need special training to operate Chrome Vox. You simply place your fingers over the screen and allow the device to adjust to the appropriate setting, depending on how well you see. When you are using a screen reader for the blind, you simply place your fingers where they need to be and press the corresponding keys.
One feature that I like most is the great voice options. It seems like you listen to real human, not to machine.
