Computer Aids
You can use a hand magnifier or special screen magnifier to make the computer screen look larger, or you can use a screen magnification program like Zoom Text, Lunar, or Magic. They enlarge the text and images on the monitor. Versions of Microsoft Windows from Windows 2000 onward include a built-in simple screen magnifier in which part of the screen displays a magnified image of the rest of the screen, and for these operating systems you can purchase a Microsoft Mouse with a special "magnify" button that turns the area around the mouse pointer into a virtual "magnifying glass."
Screen reader programs such as NVDA, JAWS, or SuperNova are designed to allow even totally blind people to use the computer. They convert the text and icons to speech so one can use a computer without needing to see the monitor. Microsoft Windows 2000 and later versions include a simple built-in screen reader called Narrator. Narrator can help you find out what a screen reader is like, but since it works only with certain Microsoft applications, you may find you need a more complete screen reader program to do all you want.
If you can see well enough to navigate the screen but sometimes find reading text to be tedious, a simple text-to-speech program such as ReadPlease or Natural Reader can make using the computer easier at a fraction of the cost of a complete screen reader program. With these programs, you select the text, and the program then reads it to you.
In addition, there are special keyboards, monitor magnifiers, speech to text programs and other aids that make computers more "low vision" friendly.
Making a computer easier to use for someone with low vision doesn't even have to cost anything. Many software programs, including Windows and Microsoft Office, allow text and icons to be enlarged and to use high contrast color schemes. Bump dots or small bits of Velcro can be placed on the control, alt, and delete keys to help find them as well as on the "f" and "j" keys to help one place one's hands properly for keyboarding.
We have some of these aids on the computer in the demonstration area here at the Low Vision Center. Please call us at 301-951-4444 to find out what we currently have available and to make an appointment to try them yourself.