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Disability Advice Welfare network
Blind Users Group


How do the blind use a computer?

Most individuals who are blind use standard keyboards; however, braille input keyboards are available but place limits because of the lack of function keys; also, many companies such as banks have a special keyboard with extra function keys so it is more common for blind users to use the normal keyboard

Special software programs (called screen readers) reads the text on the computer screens, and speech synthesizers speak the text. The availability of earphones for individuals using speech output systems can reduce the distractions from others nearby. In call centres many Blind users have the speech synthesizers in one ear and the client who is calling in the other.

They also can use refreshable braille displays this allows line-by-line translation of screen text into braille on a display area where vertical pins move into braille configurations as screen text is scanned. braille displays can be read quickly by those with advanced braille skills. again in a call centre environment as an example braille displays can be very useful as the speech synthesizer can tell you one thing wile the braille displays can focus on a different part of the screen enabling the blind user to multitask.

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