What technology can blind students use to access computers, and what accommodations do they need for computer-based assignments or labs?
A. Students who are unable to read print of any size use screen reader software, which makes text on the screen accessible through speech or Braille output. In other words, text that appears on the screen, including the labels of icons, buttons, and menu items, is either spoken by a speech synthesizer or displayed in Braille on a built-in or external Braille display. Screen reading software also provides alternative methods for performing mouse functions since standard operation of a mouse requires eye-hand coordination. If an activity uses standard, off-the-shelf software or an accessible Web site and does not require that the students view or create graphics, most students will be able to fully participate in the activity as long as the necessary screen reader and speech or Braille output devices are installed on the computers they are to use. If inaccessible software or Web sites are to be used, work with the student to develop reasonable accommodations. One possible accommodation i
