A practical demonstration of the limitations of the screen reader & magnifier tools bundled with Windows 8 and how professional such as SuperNova access products bridge the accessibility gap for students with blindness and low vision.
Abstract
This session will demonstrate how specialist computer access products bridge the gap between the limitations of the access tools bundled with Windows 8, and the wide range of requirements amongst students who are blind or low vision. Accessibility improvements in Windows 8 focus on Narrator screen reader and Windows Magnifier.
• Narrator changes include keystrokes to launch Narrator, the inclusion of SAPI voices, improved navigation and settings, gestures, focus highlighting and access to web pages.
• Windows 8 Magnifier includes touch zones, enabling the viewing area to be repositioned on tablets and magnification level to be adjusted.
But what do these changes mean in practice for students with sight loss? This session will highlight the Windows 8 accessibility improvements and where the limitations for students with vision impairments remain. SuperNova will be directly compared to the Windows 8 solutions and comparisons drawn.
Kepoints
Improvements & limitations of Windows 8's Magnifier
Improvements & limitations of Windows 8's Narrator
Benefits of using a professional screen access tool, such as SuperNova
Speaker Bio(s)
Hazel Shaw
Jeff Bazer is the US Sales Manager for Dolphin Computer Access, but his roots are deep in access technology. Eleven years working in the AT industry, coupled with a personal interest in screen reading as a user himself, ensures Jeff’s expertise and knowledge. Jeff works with colleges across the US sharing his expertise in the creation and delivery of alternative formats. As a Braille reader, Jeff fully empathizes with the essential role accessible information takes. Jeff has recently presented at ATIA, CSUN and can frequently be heard on ACB and TekTalk Radio.