Accessibility for All
Traditionally, the blind and visually impaired have depended
on expensive accessibility software for using computers and other technologies.
Software such as JAWS and WindowEyes are screen-reading software the blind and
visually impaired use for reading and interpreting what is displayed on
computer screens. The software essential reads what is read on the screen and
then the information is presented to the user through either text-to-speech or
Braille or both.
Apple, primarily through its operating system used on all of
its devices including the revolutionary iPad, has made accessibility not only
easier, but also very affordable. The current retail price for the standard
version of JAWS is nearly $900 and historically WindowsEyes is just as
expensive. In contrast, screen-reading software comes integrated in iOS,
Apple’s operating system. There are no additional costs for blind and visually
impaired users to access the full capabilities of an iPad, iPhone, or iPod.
In an interesting twist, and in an effort to keep pace with
or at the very least take a bigger portion out of Apple’s market share,
Microsoft now offers screen reading software available with newer versions of
their Microsoft Office software. Beginning in early 2014 GW Micro, the creator
of WindowEyes, and Microsoft collaborated to offer WindowEyes free of charge to
Microsoft Office 2010 and 2013 users. However, this still cannot compete with
the functionality and integration of the iOS accessibility software on the iPad,
iPhone, and iPod.
In addition, there are dozens of applications (or apps)
available (and being developed almost daily) on Apple’s App Store used on iOS
devices, including the iPad, iPhone, and iPod to further accessibility options
of these devices. Such apps include ViA, an app developed by Braille Institute.
ViA identifies other apps that can be used by individuals who are blind or
visually impaired or possess other types of disabilities. Apps benefiting
individuals with other types of disabilities include Verbally by Intuary.
Verbally is a communication app used with augmentative and alternative
communication devices (such as a switch or communication board) giving speech
to children and adults who may not normally possess discernible communication skills
at all? Most of these accessibility apps are free or low-cost.
In this current era, where boundaries seem nigh near
boundless, it is time to make technology accessible to all!
Agreed,Robert. Thanks for your report; while I was familiar with Apple's, Windows' and iOS's (well, I guess that is Apple, too) accessibility features, I was not familiar with the other programs. In our district and system, we have programs for speech to text dictation, and all of our curricular materials can be accessed audibly via recorded textbook and/or text to speech technology, and I know that makes an important difference for a number of our students. It might be worthwhile for us to explore more.
ReplyDeletePatrick,
DeleteThanks so much for your reply. Because of the nature of the disabilities we serve at my school system, we have extensive technological needs. There are a myriad of technologies available for the disabled, but the majority of them are very expensive because they are developed for such a small group of people. Because Apple's accessibility software is built in both the Alabama School for the Blind and Helen Keller School of Alabama have issued iPads to their students. Apple's iOS in the iPad and iPhone has been a watershed moment for the blind in our area.
Robert
Robert,
ReplyDeleteOn a personal note, thank you for this information! One of my good friends has severe sight limitations & has relied on JAWS & other costly software for years only because the Office for the Blind in WA pays for it. Her computer system recently died & I think the Apple system may be just the answer for her & her future needs. Sometimes it's very challenging to navigate pcs & although a new system may be initially challenging for her to learn, it may be more user friendly, especially when Apple has integrated it as a norm for their systems. It makes me wonder more about their attitude & connectedness toward accessibility overall. I find myself very curious about various ways technology is incorporated into the learning process at your school. Adaptive technology is amazing in so many ways. Thanks again.
Cheers.
Eileen,
DeleteHave your friend go to her local Apple Store. I'm sure they will be happy to show her how to use VoiceOver and Zoom. The beauty of the iOS system is crosses over from iMac to the iPad to the iPhone. Both features are used heavily by the blind and the visually impaired in the two children and youth schools and the adult facility as well. I know its a bit of a change to go from PC to Mac, but i think she'll be pleased.
Robert
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ReplyDeleteNice post and a reminder that accessibility is a leadership issue.
ReplyDeleteI continue to be amazed (and inspired) by how technology can open doors. Two examples I have seen recently here at VCU. Our office partnered with the School of Education to provide iPads for autistic children. Children who had been non-responsive became engaged with the touchscreens.
I also was on a Masters thesis committee of a young man who worked with a man with cerebral palsy using Dragon Naturally Speaking and voice activated computer controls. While most could not understand this man, Dragon could be trained ... and for the first time, this man found he could search the internet and communicate via email. It was so liberating for him!
It is indeed time to make technology accessible to all. Nice post!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post! I have had so many students that could benefit for this. Money should not be barrier when accessing these tools to help deliver information to students. I have had a few students that have come to me regarding ways to accommodate them when they are blind or hard of hearing. Now we have options as educators.
ReplyDeleteI am so appreciative that Microsoft now has the pressure "on" to add this on (even if it was because of Apple's efforts).
Great tool to research.
Ivette,
DeleteI am glad I could help you find solutions for your blind and visually impaired students. While Microsoft caved and includes WindowEyes with their Microsoft Office software it is not included to be used with their operating system, which is extremely disappointing. You still have to buy the full version to use the computer to get to Microsoft Office!
Robert