Screen Readers

Screen readers provide an interface for reading online content. The primary users are those who are blind or have low vision. This is also used by people with other disabilities and multiple disabilities, to a lesser extent. Some people have difficulties reading because they are not native speakers, or dyslexia. There are devices that can be used by those who are deaf and blind to convert text into Braille characters on a refreshable Braille device.

Screen readers understand the text on the page and announce important elements to the user such as the number of headings on the page, number of links, and number of form fields. A screen reader user can have the software say everything from the top left of the page, or they can use keyboard navigation to jump to certain elements.

We have specialist lecturers at Solusi University who help students with such special needs. We have the hardcopy braille material as well as specialised screen readers on campus. On top of this, as a blind student, you can download your own screen reader to your computer and be able to study with ease at the comfort of your home. 

Below are the links that can help you achieve this:

1. NVDA

This software has robust support for browsing the web using Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, the Microsoft Office suite, and built-in Windows apps. The speech synthesizer supports over 50 languages as well as 3rd party synths. It can run on secure Windows screens, like logon, and has a rich set of customizable preferences. Refreshable braille displays and keyboard are supported over USB. Download NVDA

2. ZoomText

This is a fully integrated magnification and reading program tailored for low-vision users. Magnifier/Reader enlarges and enhances everything on your computer screen, echoes your typing and essential program activity, and automatically reads documents, web pages, email.

3. Window-Eyes

This software gives total control over what you hear and how you hear it. Plus, with its enhanced Braille support that control is extended to what you feel as well.