What is Screen Reader Software?

Screen reader software works together with a speech generator to read aloud everything that is on a computer screen, including text, icons, menus, and other screen contents. Hardware and software produce synthesized voice output for the information that is displayed on the computer screen. Input entered from the keyboard can also be vocalized by screen readers.

Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil 3000 is a screen reader program that offers a comprehensive set of tools for language learning, study skills, and online internet research in one software package. It is highly flexible and customizable to accommodate diverse learning styles and requirements from visual impairments to severe learning disabilities to foreign language learning.

Kurzweil 3000 features:

• Scan and read documents
• Create documents in Kurzweil 3000 or import them
• Access and download online material from the internet
• Customize how the program reads language
• Use reference tools such as a dictionary and a thesaurus
   

Jaws

See Jaws’ website for more information.
http://www.freedomscientific.com/fs_products/software_jaws.asp

ReadPlease

ReadPlease is a general purpose screen reader that is able to read e-mail, read the contents of the windows clipboard, has customizable fonts and background colors, and has a low vision color option. The ReadPlease program is available as a free download.

See ReadPlease’s website for more information.
http://www.readplease.com/

Sample Screen Reader Screen Views