Resource of the Week

This week we're focusing on screen readers, a form of accessible technology to help users with low-vision or blindness. Screen reader software can also be very helpful for users with learning disabilities or cognitive problems caused by medication, illness or brain injury.

Introduction to Screen Readers
JAWS is the most common and robust screen reader. It is also the most costly ($1000). For One Stops, JAWS may be more powerful than necessary. Below is a comparison of free screen readers compiled by Jane Berliss-Vincent at the Center for Accessible Technology. These will be the most useful for One Stops.

View the screen reader comparison here.

Additionally, the following software also has audio features that can help users with vision loss or learning disabilities:

• ZoomText Magnifier/Reader ($500)
• EasyTutor from Dolphin Computer Access ($335), or Kurzweil 1000 (for the visually impaired, $1000 and up) and Kurzweil 3000 (for those with reading difficulty, $2000 and up)