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AbilityNet Factsheet – November 2015 Vision impairment and computing This factsheet gives an overview of some of the main ways computers can be adapted to help anyone with a visual impairment. Some of these accessibility features are built into standard computers. Advances in assistive technology are opening up a world of productive possibilities for blind and partially sighted people in work and education, and at home. Finding the right technological ‘solution’ for anyone with a visual impairment can enable them to carry out a wide range of computing tasks very effectively. It can help to advance their career, increase their independence and self-esteem, and to combat social isolation. Employers have a ‘duty of care’ to all their employees and, under the Equality Act 2010, must also make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to prevent discrimination against disabled staff. Adapting computer hardware and software to ensure that visually impaired members of staff are not disadvantaged in the workplace helps to retain valued employees and improve productivity.

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Page 1: How many are affected by sight loss? - AbilityNet Web viewRoyal National College for the Blind (RNC)17. Specialist suppliers – contact details17. 11. About AbilityNet19. ... by character,

AbilityNet Factsheet – November 2015

Vision impairment and computingThis factsheet gives an overview of some of the main ways computers can be adapted to help anyone with a visual impairment. Some of these accessibility features are built into standard computers.

Advances in assistive technology are opening up a world of productive possibilities for blind and partially sighted people in work and education, and at home. Finding the right technological ‘solution’ for anyone with a visual impairment can enable them to carry out a wide range of computing tasks very effectively. It can help to advance their career, increase their independence and self-esteem, and to combat social isolation.

Employers have a ‘duty of care’ to all their employees and, under the Equality Act 2010, must also make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to prevent discrimination against disabled staff. Adapting computer hardware and software to ensure that visually impaired members of staff are not disadvantaged in the workplace helps to retain valued employees and improve productivity.

Section 9 gives details of the services that AbilityNet provides to assist businesses, charities and individuals with identifying and realising the best possible solution for their particular situation and needs.

Links to other helpful resources, including specialist suppliers, are given in Section 10.

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Contents

1 How many are affected by sight loss?......................................................4

2 How can technology help?.........................................................................4

3 What should employers do?.......................................................................5

4 How can I input into and control my computer?......................................5Keyboarding.........................................................................................................5

Learning to touch type................................................................................6Alternative keyboards..........................................................................................6

High visibility keyboards.............................................................................6Larger keys.................................................................................................6More specialist keyboards..........................................................................6Voice control...............................................................................................7

5 How can I read and understand my computer output?............................8Enhancements for people with low vision............................................................8

Configuring your web browser....................................................................8Larger monitor............................................................................................8Screen resolution, image size, contrast and colour....................................8Zooming in..................................................................................................9Magnification software................................................................................9

Help for people with very little or no vision........................................................10Built-in screen readers..............................................................................10

6 How can I read other printed materials?.................................................10Reading machines.............................................................................................10

7 What about note takers, tablets and smartphones?..............................12Notetakers..........................................................................................................12Tablets and smartphones..................................................................................12Some useful apps..............................................................................................13Synapptic software.............................................................................................14

8 How important is training?.......................................................................14

9 How can AbilityNet help you find the best solution?.............................15Our Workplace Assessment Service.................................................................15Consultancy services.........................................................................................16DSA/Student Assessments................................................................................16

10 Other useful links and resources...........................................................16AbilityNet factsheets..........................................................................................16My Computer My Way.......................................................................................16RNIB..................................................................................................................17Action for Blind People.......................................................................................17BCAB (British Computer Association for the Blind)...........................................17Royal National College for the Blind (RNC).......................................................17

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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Specialist suppliers – contact details.................................................................17

11 About AbilityNet......................................................................................19Support us..........................................................................................................19Contact us..........................................................................................................19Copyright information.........................................................................................19

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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1 How many are affected by sight loss?

Almost two million people in the UK live with sight loss – around one in 30. Of these, only some 360,000 are registered with their local authority as blind or partially sighted. That is, they have experienced some degree of irreversible sight loss which cannot be corrected by glasses or contact lenses.

The number of people living with sight loss is likely to double by 2050 because:

the UK population is ageing and, as we get older, we are increasingly likely to experience sight loss

there is a growing incidence in some of the key underlying causes of sight loss, such as obesity and diabetes.

2 How can technology help?

Choosing the right kind of assistive technology can transform the abilities of visually impaired people to perform everyday computing tasks like:

reading documents producing letters and reports sending and receiving emails browsing the web communicating through social media working with spreadsheets and data entry.

A good knowledge of the assistive technology they use can enable someone with partial or no vision to effectively undertake very advanced tasks such as programming or web development.

Moreover, technologies that previously cost hundreds or thousands of pounds are now being either built in to mainstream devices or are available at a far lower cost.

In addition to built-in options, specialist hardware and software solutions (including apps for the latest smartphones) now make it very much easier for blind and partially-sighted people to:

quickly input information and control their computer read and understand a range of outputs from their computer read other printed materials.

These advances mean that there are now often a number of potential approaches to solving any individual’s specific computing needs. A one size AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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approach will not suit everyone; and this factsheet is intended to help visually-impaired users begin to identify the particular configuration of hardware and software options that will best meet their own individual requirements.

3 What should employers do?

Under the Equality Act, employers have a duty to ensure that employees with a disability (including visual impairment) are able to perform effectively.

To meet the requirements of the Equality Act, employers may need to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to ensure that disabled members of staff enjoy equal access to everything involved in doing and keeping their job as any non-disabled colleague. Employers who fail to meet their responsibilities under Act may be vulnerable to claims of discrimination and could be taken to an employment tribunal.

Any adjustments required do not necessarily need to cost a lot of money and would depend in part on the size and nature of the organisation. For blind or partially-sighted employees, reasonable adjustments could include:

adapting the workplace introducing some changes to work organisation providing personal training and support making use of relevant assistive technologies.

Advances in technology mean that anyone who is losing, or who has already lost, their sight can now overcome many of the barriers previously faced and continue to be a highly productive employee. Government schemes like ‘Access to Work’ can also help meet some of the additional employment costs.

See Section 9 for details of AbilityNet’s services to employers.

4 How can I input into and control my computer?

Keyboarding

Learning your way around the keyboard and, ideally, to touch type are key skills for visually impaired computer users. Being able to touch type and use the keyboard effectively will increase your accuracy and productivity in both drafting documents and emails etc. and in operating your computer.

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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Using a keyboard is often faster than using a mouse, and for people with little or no useful vision, it can be the most practical way to input data and control a device. Working with ‘hotkeys’ (i.e. keyboard shortcuts) is a very powerful way of driving a computer – pressing a combination of keys together to perform most of the functions of a mouse.

Learning to touch type

There are a number of software programmes available aimed at helping people with sight loss learn how to touch type.

For Windows PCs, options include: Azabat Touch-Typing Tutor, and Portset Touch Typing Tutor.

Englishtype Senior is available for both Windows and Apple Mac computers.

Suppliers of touch type tutorials include: Adapt-IT; Inclusive Technology; RNIB; and Portset.

Alternative keyboards

High visibility keyboards

The letters on a standard computer keyboard are small and can be hard to see. One alternative to this would be to purchase a high contrast keyboard; but a cheaper option would be to modify the keys on your existing keyboard by covering them with high contrast stickers. These use larger letters and come in upper and lower case sets.

Larger keys

However, people with impaired vision who are learning to type often find it difficult to locate keys accurately on a standard-sized keyboard. For many, it can be much easier to use a high-visibility keyboard with a smaller number of larger keys – such as the BigKeys, Jumbo, XL or KeyMonster keyboards.

More specialist keyboards

Some keyboards have been designed specifically to work with certain specialist software programmes produced to assist people with a visual impairment. These include Dolphin Large Print and MAGic

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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keyboards, both of which feature large print, high contrast keys – many of which give speedy access to the associated software's most useful features.

Another option for blind users is a Braille display. Although these can be very expensive, they serve a dual function. Utilising just a few keys, Braille displays allow you to both enter data and control your computer, and also to read documents, web pages and email using Braille.

Chording keyboards like the CyKey are another important option, especially for people with more limited dexterity as they only require you to press a few keys in combination (like a chord on the piano) to generate letters.

For more information on additional keyboarding options, see the AbilityNet factsheet on Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adjustments.

Specialist suppliers for keyboards and stickers include: Adapt-IT; Bellaire Electronics; Hands Free Computing; Humanware; Keytools; RNIB; and Sight and Sound Technology.

Voice control

Using voice or speech recognition to operate the computer (perhaps combined with text-to-speech output) may be a viable alternative for users who are physically unable to type. However, voice control is difficult to learn and operate successfully, especially for blind users, so it is usually only recommended for people with an additional motor impairment (such as arthritis). Even for people with only limited ability to use some of their fingers, using a chording keyboard might still represent a more practical option for inputting text.

In addition to the specialist programmes available for those wanting to pursue voice control, quite powerful speech recognition capabilities are now built into both Windows and Apple computers.

For more information on the main options, see the AbilityNet factsheet on Controlling the computer with your voice.

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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5 How can I read and understand my computer output?

Enhancements for people with low vision

For people with low vision, there are many ways that you can adjust your computing set up to enable you to view and understand its output more successfully.

Significant accessibility features are now built-in as standard on new Windows and Apple computers. Many of these are highlighted below but, for more detailed instructions on how to make such adjustments, visit My Computer My Way at https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/vision/

Configuring your web browser

Many websites are visually complex and can be extremely difficult to navigate and read, with multiple columns and difficult colour combinations. However, many popular web browsers allow you to adjust the size of the text and the colour settings to whatever suits you best.

Larger monitor

Larger screens present much larger images and text to view, and screens are available today that are over 30 inches. Using a monitor arm can also be very useful in adjusting the viewing distance / angle and reducing potential glare.

Laptop screens are generally smaller, with a typical viewing area of around 15 inches. They do come in larger sizes but with quite substantial increases in overall weight. Connecting your laptop to a

larger monitor (or to a modern TV using an HDMI cable) is generally a better solution.

Screen resolution, image size, contrast and colour

Screen resolution determines the size of the dots that make up the images you view on screen. High resolution screens present sharper but smaller images – so people with low vision will benefit from setting their screen to a relatively low resolution of around 800 x 600 pixels. This will make text, icons and menu options etc. larger and easier to see. Adjusting the screen contrast and brightness can also help.

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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Aside from screen resolution, there are other options you can select in both Windows and Mac OS X to increase the display size of text, menus, folders, icons and the mouse pointer.

Many people with impaired vision can see some colour combinations (such as white text on a black background) better than others, and different colour options are available in most programmes. Both Windows and Apple computers have a wide range of pre-defined colour schemes to choose from, or you can create your own preferred scheme.

Zooming in

Zooming in increases the size of whatever is displayed in the document window, and many programmes include easy-to-use options to achieve this up to five times the standard display size. This does not affect the size in which the document is printed out.

Windows and Mac computers also have built-in magnifiers that you can use to enlarge the size of the whole screen display, including programme toolbars.

Magnification software

Magnification software programmes are available that enlarge and enhance everything on your computer screen. As the size of the enlargement increases, the amount of the original screen image being displayed reduces – but you can use the mouse (or cursor) to select where you want to focus. Many programmes also include options for enhancing and customising screen colours and pointers.

Reading large print on screen for any length of time can be very tiring but, fortunately, leading magnification products are also available with fully integrated screen reading capabilities.

These can offer complete or selective screen reading options, full internet accessibility and text navigation (making it easy to read – by character, word, line or sentence and paragraph – while you create or edit documents).

Specialist software options for Windows computers are ZoomText Magnifier Reader, Dolphin Supernova Magnifier and Screen Reader, and MAGic.

Compatible keyboards are also available for Dolphin and MAGic software. These include dedicated function keys for operating the programmes’ most

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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used features. Dolphin Supernova also provides full Braille support for blind users and is compatible with the latest Braille displays.

Specialist solutions for Mac users are ZoomText Mac and MagniLink iMax.

Suppliers of integrated magnification and reading software include: Adapt-IT; Hands Free Computing; Inclusive Technology; Professional Vision Services; RNIB; and Sight and Sound Technology.

Help for people with very little or no vision

JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is a very popular (albeit expensive) screen reader for users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. It provides text-to-speech and Braille output for a wide range of computer applications on Windows computers, including the most popular - Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Firefox and PDF documents. JAWS is also fully compatible with MAGic screen magnification software.

Suppliers of JAWS include: Adapt-IT; Keytools; RNIB; and Sight and Sound Technology.

NVDA is a free alternative to JAWS. It stands for ‘non-visual desktop access’ and provides blind people with options to hear the text on screen being read or to have it converted into Braille on a compatible display. Users report that while it works extremely well with web browsers, it is not so successful with Office applications.

NVDA can be downloaded from http://www.nvaccess.org

Built-in screen readers

New computers (and a growing number of mobile phones) also come with a screen reader already installed. While Narrator – which is supplied with Windows computers – has rather limited functions, Apple Mac computers include a fully-featured screen reader called VoiceOver.

6 How can I read other printed materials?

Dedicated reading machines will read out printed documents using a synthetic voice. They use a scanner or a camera with optical character recognition (OCR) software to convert printed materials into electronic text that can, in turn, be either displayed on a screen, or read out by a screen reader, or both.

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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Reading machines

There are three main types of reading machine:

Standalone devices – combine a camera / scanner, OCR software, screen reader and / or monitor in a single device. They are easy (but not very flexible) to use, and can be very expensive.

Computer-based devices – connect a camera / scanner and OCR software to your computer, allowing you to take advantage of your existing screen display options, as well as utilising screen reading.

Portable devices –are lightweight and easy to use on the move.

Suppliers include: Adapt-it; Enabling Technology; Humanware; Sight and Sound Technology; and VisionAid.

Please note that there are also many apps that run on standard smartphones that will provide very similar functionality to the above specialist options and are much cheaper if you already own a smartphone (see below for more details).

Video magnifiers

Video magnifiers (or closed circuit televisions – CCTVs) connect a high definition camera to a monitor display. This allows you to magnify different types of printed document or handwritten text to a high level.

You can read and navigate your document by moving it around on the table below the camera.

There are three different types of video magnifiers:

Desktop video magnifiers – have the highest degree of magnification and often allow you to adjust the text and background display colours.

Portable video magnifiers – can either be standalone devices or connect to a laptop computer, utilising software on the laptop to control the display, use OCR, or capture and store images of printed text. Some magnifiers enable distance viewing – for example, of presentations.

Pocket video magnifiers – are small enough to use on the go for reading a wide range of everyday materials including documents, letters, bills, menus, timetables and instructions etc. Typical features include the ability to take a

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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snapshot of something that can subsequently be magnified, rather than having to hover with the magnifier in place.

The distinction between reading machines and video magnifiers has significantly reduced in recent years, with many video magnifiers now also including the option to hear documents etc. read out loud.

Suppliers include: Adapt-it; Enabling Technology; Humanware; RNIB; Sight and Sound Technology; and VisionAid.

Please note that there are also many apps that run on standard smartphones that will provide very similar functionality to the above specialist options and are much cheaper if you already own a smartphone (see below for more details).

7 What about note takers, tablets and smartphones?

Notetakers

Notetakers are small computers designed for use by the visually impaired. They can either have a standard or Braille keyboard, with information being either read out, displayed in Braille or both.

Braille notetakers are portable devices, with most including email and internet capabilities, a calendar and address book among other features. They can usually be connected to a computer or a printer for transferring information, and some can print to a Braille embosser. Notetakers also enjoy a shorter start-up time and a much longer battery life than conventional computers. They are, however, significantly more expensive in most cases and far more limited in the apps and functions they can include.

Suppliers include: Humanware; Sight and Sound Technology; and VisionAid.

Tablets and smartphones

Technological advances are transforming modern communications. This is especially true of tablet computers and smartphones which, among myriad features, now include many of the functions of specialist notetakers, reading machines and video magnifiers.

Intelligent personal assistants – like Siri and Google Now – are a key feature of all modern tablets and smartphones. These use speech recognition technology and a natural language interface to carry out a range of everyday tasks

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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including answering queries, sending messages and emails, making phone calls, taking notes and scheduling meetings.

iOS (Apple) devices include a fully-featured screen reader called VoiceOver and magnifier called Zoom; the latest versions of Android contain a reader called TalkBack.

Combined with the million plus apps now available for iOS, Android and other mobile devices, such innovations are helping to transform education, work and leisure opportunities for people with a visual impairment.

Many blind or partially-sighted people now use their smartphone more than any other computing device – with it offering a relatively low-cost and completely mobile solution to many of their requirements.

It is only possible here to point to just a few of the powerful apps that are available from the App Store (for iOS devices) and/or Google Play (for Android devices). For more comprehensive information (and reviews) on specialist apps for the iPad and iPhone, visit the AppleVis website for blind and low-vision users at www.applevis.com

Some useful apps

Blind and partially-sighted people have found the following apps to be particularly useful:

KNFB Reader – provides fast and easy access to any type of printed text including letters, receipts, menus, books and many other documents, with high quality speech or Braille output.

Talking Goggles – can recognise almost any image and text in seconds and speak out what it finds including logos, signs, landmarks, products, artwork and text.

Evi – draws on a vast database to answer everyday questions about books, music, films, history, people, places and much more. You can ask your questions by talking and get a vocal response.

iBrailler Notes – offers an easy way for iPad users to type Braille notes and perform basic word processing on a touchscreen (for iOS only).

Apple Maps – helps you find your way to your destination by giving turn-by-turn spoken directions (for iOS only).

AccessNote – is a powerful and efficient notetaker that takes advantage of the built-in accessibility of Apple devices by working with VoiceOver (for iOS only).

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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Vokul – is a personal assistant that provides complete voice control for dictating text, messages and emails, connecting to social media, listening to music, and calling contacts in your address book (for iOS only).

Synapptic software

Synapptic is an all-in-one software package for people who are blind or partially sighted. It runs on Android tablets and smartphones and has been specifically designed to be very easy to use.

Synapptic’s simple menu structure and intuitive design means most new users can learn how to use its wealth of features in just a few minutes. Utilising text-to-speech and voice control, this

includes being able to send and receive texts and emails, make calls, browse the web, take photos, scan and read, make notes and voice memos, listen to music and talking books, and watch YouTube and catch-up TV.

Users can customise the software to suit their particular needs and preferences, selecting from a wide range of viewing and listening options. It can be purchased ready installed on a tablet or smartphone, or as a standalone product for installing on your own Android device.

Suppliers include: RNIB; and Synapptic.

8 How important is training?

Students, employees and other users will only realise the full potential of some of the solutions outlined in this factsheet if they receive adequate training and have sufficient opportunity to become familiar and proficient with the products.

Training is most effective when it is spread over time and geared towards the individual, focusing on their particular tasks, abilities and challenges. Periodic training helps users to practice and consolidate new skills between sessions.

A wide range of private and voluntary organisations offer computer training services. Many specialist suppliers and software producers provide online guidance and tutorials about how to get the most from their products. There is also a wealth of free training resources available online, including on YouTube.

Very useful tutorials, guides and reviews about assistive technology for people with sight loss are available from:

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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the Blind Geek Zone at www.blind-geek-zone.net/bgz-audio-archives/#Screen

Blind Bargains at https://blindbargains.com AppleVis (for all things Apple) at www.applevis.com VIP Software Guides (for JAWS and screen magnifiers) at

http://vip.chowo.co.uk Vision Australia podcasts (primarily, but not exclusively, for Mac

computers and iOS devices) at https://www.visionaustralia.org/living-with-low-vision/learning-to-live-independently/using-technology-and-computers/help-yourself!-technology-podcasts-and-resources

9 How can AbilityNet help you find the best solution?

AbilityNet is a leading authority on accessibility and assistive technologies. We can assist individuals, charities and employers by providing:

advice and information workplace assessments consultancy services.

Our Workplace Assessment Service

This factsheet has outlined some of the main ways assistive technology can help anyone with a sight impairment. However, it cannot make specific recommendations tailored to suit each individual’s particular needs.

AbilityNet’s Workplace Assessment Service provides a one-to-one holistic review. This not only looks at your existing computer set up, it will also consider your work organisation and relationships, the requirements of your role, regular tasks and any other factors which can impact on health and productivity.

One size does not fit all. We believe that each case is unique and that individual attention is vital. Superficially similar cases may demand quite different, multi-faceted approaches. The solutions we propose are arrived at through discussion, evaluation of all the relevant circumstances and the trial use of alternative devices (where these are recommended).

Our assessments integrate personal and technical considerations to arrive at sound and realistic suggestions, documented in a report. To find out more about our Workplace Assessment Service, please visit www.abilitynet.org.uk/workplace or call 01926 465 247.

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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Consultancy services

Our expert consultants are also available to assist employers who wish to take a broad, longer-term view in designing computer systems and associated work processes. Our experience and expertise can help you to achieve safe, healthy and productive working procedures.

To find out more about AbilityNet’s consultancy services, call 01962 465 247 or email [email protected]

DSA/Student Assessments

If you have a disability and are in higher or further education, you may qualify for a Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). If you are eligible you will receive a free assessment and may qualify for a grant towards any adjustments that you might require. This could help with the costs of buying a new computer or any other specialist equipment you might need.

For information, please visit www.abilitynet.org.uk/dsa or call 01926 464 095.

10 Other useful links and resources

AbilityNet factsheets

AbilityNet’s factsheets provide practical advice about specific conditions and the hardware and software adaptations that can help people of any age use computers to fulfil their potential. Relevant topics covered include:

Controlling the computer with your voice Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adjustments.

All these resources are free to download from www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

My Computer My Way

It is essential that your computing equipment is set up in the best way possible to suit your particular needs.

My Computer My Way can help you achieve your optimum setup. It is a free, interactive tool developed by AbilityNet that makes any computer, tablet and smartphone easier to use. It covers all the accessibility features built into your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, and all the main operating systems – Windows, Mac OS X, iOS and Android.

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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My Computer My Way shows you how to adjust your computer to assist with:

vision impairment – help seeing your screen hearing difficulties – help with sounds and audio motor issues – help with your keyboard and mouse cognitive problems – help with reading, spelling and understanding.

You can use it for free at www.mycomputermyway.com

RNIB

The RNIB is a UK-wide charity providing practical advice and emotional support to help blind and partially sighted people to live independently, whether you need help with technology, ways to continue reading or advice on staying in work. The RNIB also has an online store (see ‘Specialist suppliers’ below) selling a wide range of assistive products. Visit www.rnib.org.uk

Action for Blind People

Action for Blind People is another national charity providing practical and emotional advice and support across England to people who are blind or partially sighted and their friends and family. Visit https://actionforblindpeople.org.uk

BCAB (British Computer Association for the Blind)

BCAB is a lively, self-help community of blind and partially sighted computer users of all skill levels, ages and interests. Visit www.bcab.org.uk

Royal National College for the Blind (RNC)

The RNC is a specialist residential college of further education for people with a visual impairment. Visit www.rnc.ac.uk

Specialist suppliers – contact details

Adapt-IT – suppliers of assistive technology and computer adaptations for special needs, mobility issues, visual impairment, learning difficulties and RSI.

[email protected] 736 0542

10.1.1.1 Bellaire Electronics– manufacturers and suppliers of the Cykey chording keyboard.

[email protected] 324759

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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Enabling Technology – suppliers of assistive technology solutions for people of all ages with a learning, physical or visual impairment.

[email protected] 243 111

Hands Free Computing – suppliers and trainers for a wide range of assistive technologies.

[email protected] 899 0880

Humanware – manufacturers of products designed to enhance the lives of people with low vision.

[email protected] 415800

Inclusive Technology – suppliers of assistive technology for people with a physical disability, sensory impairment or learning difficulty.

www.inclusive.co.uk/[email protected] 819790

Keytools – suppliers of assistive technology and ergonomic products to users with varying requirements, including physical or visual impairment.

www.keytools.co.uk/products/[email protected] 879 2282

Portset – designers and manufacturers of products for the visually impaired, including EnglishType software.

www.portset.co.uk01489 893919

Professional Vision Services – manufacturers and suppliers of assistive technology (including MagniLink products) for people with a visual impairment.

www.professional-vision-services.co.uksales@professional-vision-services.co.uk01462 420751

RNIB – national charity supporting people with sight loss.

http://[email protected] 123 9999

Sight and Sound Technology – suppliers of assistive technology to improve the lives of people with a sensory or age related disability.

[email protected] 798070

Synapptic – developers of Synapptic software and suppliers of Android tablets and smartphones fitted with the software ready installed.

[email protected] 909 7 909

VisionAid – suppliers of vision aids for people with impaired sight.

[email protected] 711977

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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11 About AbilityNet

AbilityNet is the national charity that supports people with any disability, of any age. Our specialist services help disabled people to use computers and the internet to improve their lives, whether at work, at home or in education. We offer:

free advice and information accessibility services DSA/student assessments workplace assessments IT help at home IT volunteers.

Support us

Visit www.abilitynet.org.uk/donate to learn how you can support our work.

Contact us

Telephone 0800 269 545 Email [email protected] Web: www.abilitynet.org.uk

We are always keen to help share knowledge about accessibility and assistive technology. If you have any questions about how you may use the contents of this factsheet, please contact us at AbilityNet and we will do all we can to help.

Copyright information

This factsheet is licensed by AbilityNet under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

View a copy of this license at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

AbilityNet Factsheet: Vision impairment and computing,November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets

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