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Many students with low vision may be able to read materials in
the primary grades with only minor adaptations. After grade 2, however,
print size decreases and the volume of reading increases. With some
added components, the computer can become a virtual "reading
machine."
Talking Word Processors
Talking word processors are software programs with a text-to-speech
feature that allows the text to be read aloud to the student. Once
text, such as a story from a book, is imported into a talking word
processor, you can enlarge the text size and adjust the color of
the foreground and background.
Highlighting
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Text displayed in a talking word processor can be read
word by word, sentence by sentence, or from beginning
to end. As each word is spoken, it is "highlighted"
or visually presented in a different color that can
be set by the user.
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You can import information into a talking word processor in a number
of ways, including:
- Typing directly into a word processor file,
- Copying text from another electronic resource
(i.e., MS Word file, CD ROM encyclopedia or Internet web page)
and pasting it into the word processor, or
- Scanning text with OCR (Ocular
Character Recognition) software to convert print into an
electronic format.
Examples of Talking Word Processors
Write OutLoud (Don
Johnston, Inc.)
Intellitalk II (IntelliTools)
Read & Write (TextHelp)
Kid Works Deluxe (Smart
Kids Software)
Scanners & OCR Software
 Flatbed
scanners come bundled with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software
so that when you scan printed materials, the images convert into
editable text. Once text is scanned into the computer, it can be
read using large print and/or screen reader software, making the
computer a virtual "reading machine."
Hewlett Packard scanners come bundled with OCR named "OmniPage
Lite." This is a good product, but upgrading to the professional
version, "OmniPage Pro," is even better because it allows
you to scan directly into your word processor of choice.
Other products, Kurzweil
1000 and 3000, WYNN,
and Open
Book - Ruby Edition, combine their own OCR and screen reader
software with other features, such as a built-in talking dictionary.
They provide a complete literacy environment with more audio feedback
and information when scanning.
With Kurzweil
3000, words are highlighted
in a contrasting color to the page making tracking easier.
However, the added features make them a more expensive option and
require the user to learn an additional set of keyboard commands.
Scanner Examples
You can purchase scanners from your local computer store. It is
best to get a USB connection as the scanning is faster than when
using a Parallel connection. Check for scanner compatibility with
the sellers of the software you choose to use.
Hewlett Packard Scanners
Epson Scanners
OCR Software Examples
OmniPage Professional Upgrade
Available from local computer stores in most locations.
Kurzweil 1000 (Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc)
2 North William Street
Pearl River, NY 10965
800-228-7798
Kurzweil 3000 (Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc)
2 North William Street
Pearl River, NY 10965
800-228-7798
Open Book - Ruby Edition (Freedom Scientific)
Rochester, NY
716-321-1451
Contact: Terry Martin
WYNN (Freedom Scientific)
480 California Avenue
Suite 201
Palo Alto, CA 94306-1609
888- 223-3344
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