[Pibe-division] screen readers?

[Thomas Kearns]

I believe this recommondation came off of this Listserv but is any body using NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)? It's a free open source screen reader for the Microsoft Windows operating system? It uses any voice engine installed on the computer including Sapi5, meaning it can use 16 and 20 Khz voices.  NVDA has both an installer version and a portable version (USB version) with command lines that are very similar to other screen readers . URL found at   http://www.nvda-project.org/wiki/Download 
Examples of the command lines:
INSERT +tab - reports the current focus 
INSERT +b - reads the entire foreground window (useful for reading a dialog box) 
INSERT +t - Announces the title of the current foreground window
INSERT+numpad 5: Speak current object 
INSERT+numpad 8: Move to parent object (moving towards the root of the tree) 
INSERT+numpad 4: Move to previous object (the object directly before this one on the same level) 
INSERT+numpad 6: Move to Next object (the object directly after this one on the same level) 
INSERT+numpad 2: Move to first child object (The first branch coming out of this one) 
INSERT+shift+numpad 4: Move to previous object in flow (crosses parent child object boundaries automatically until it can go previous) 
INSERT+shift+numpad 6: Move to next object in flow (crosses parent child object boundaries automatically until it can go next) 
INSERT+numpad Minus: Move to focus 
INSERT+numpad Enter: Activate current object (e.g. press enter / click / double click) 
INSERT+numpad Divide: Move the mouse to the current object 
INSERT+numpad Multiply: Move to the mouse 
INSERT+shift+numpad 5: announce current object's dimentions in regards to the screen 
INSERT+numpad Plus: say all objects - starts reading from the current object, traveling next in flow 

Thomas Kearns
Assistive Technician
Office of Disability Resource Center 
Truckee Meadows Community College
7000 Dandini Blvd. (RDMT 315-U)
Reno, Nevada 89512
Wk: 775-673-7209  Fax 775-673-7207
Email: tkearns at tmcc.edu  

>>> David Andrews <dandrews at visi.com> 1/28/2009 12:32 PM >>>
There are many factors to consider -- so this isn't a simple matter.

There are of course obvious things like budget, applications need to 
use etc.  I would also consider what is predominately used in your 
area, what the rehab agency generally recommends etc.  This is 
because you are going to get the most help from people who are 
predominately using the same thing.

JAWS is the most widely used and generally works well, with some 
quirks and exceptions.  Like any big program you can find people who 
love it, and people who hate it, they both are probably right.

Window-Eyes is probably next, and is a good program, not as widely used.

System Access is coming up fast, has improved a lot, is less money, 
and works well with many things, and is less money.  It is packaged 
in a variety of offerings and can be confusing, but you can even use 
the screen access to go for free if you have a web connection www.satogo.com 

Dolphin isn't widely used in the U.S. and I find some of their 
offerings a little quirky, so would tend to stay away -- but just my opinion.

There is no one, or right answer to these questions.

David Andrews

At 06:03 AM 1/28/2009, you wrote:
>Colleagues,
>Long time subscriber, first time posting.  Wanted brief opinions on 
>recommended screen readers for the following types of students:
>3rd grader high  interest technology
>10th grader moderate/low interest in technology
>
>I've looked into programs from Dolphin, JAWS, and Window Eyes. Thank 
>you in advance for your contributions and thoughts.
>
>Kelley Louthan
>TBVI/O&M
>
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