[blindkid] Computer screen magnification

Fri Sep 5 13:04:32 UTC 2014

In addition to Zoom Text, which is expensive, there is a free software called Desktop Zoom.  Windows and iOS have built-in magnification/zoom, which can be found under accessibility. My children tell me that Zoom Text is the best of these choices.  They do not really like Desktop Zoom or Windows magnification.  With iOS they use the voice over commands in conjunction with magnification.  There is a physical magnification overlay that can be put in front of the monitor or in front of a TV screen and my boys hate it! It distorted what they were trying to see and was bulky; I think it is really made for magnifying a TV.  I recommended against that option.  Everything varies from school system to school system and state to state, but Zoom Text should be paid for by the Commission for the Blind or by the school system.  Also, the tools your son needs at school should be provided for home use.  

From my experience with my boys, I want to mention that your son might find magnification useful now and might not find it useful in the future.  The content on the monitor, just like the content in books and academics, is going to become more cluttered and dense. Before you invest your money or your time begging school, etc. to spend money, consider if the magnification is going to work long-term or is it just going to work for a short while and then another purchase and new skills be needed.   There is also JAWS which is a screen reader and iOS has built-in voice over.  Also, both Windows and iOS can be used with a refreshable Braille device.  Alternatively there is a much more expensive item called a Notetaker, which is an integrated laptop, RBD for the non-viusal blind user.  Windows desktops can be adapted to be used without a monitor or a mouse.  I do not personally know how to do any of these things, but I know they all exist.

Good luck! I'll be interested to know what you find and ultimately use.  Jennifer

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Today's Topics:

   1. Computer screen magnification (Pui)
   2. (Rachel Moers)
   3. Re: Computer screen magnification (Marianne Denning)
   4. Re: Computer screen magnification (Wagner, Gail Katona Y)
   5. Re: Computer screen magnification (Doreen Frappier)
   6. Re: Computer screen magnification (Bonnie)
   7. {Disarmed} Fw: Free Webinar: Understanding the Special
      Education Process Part 1 (Doreen Franklin)
My son worked on the computers today in kindergarten. He is having a hard time clicking on the arrow on the screen with the mouse. Actually, he can't see it. For those with low vision kiddos, how did you get around this? Is there a function to make the screen images larger and/or is there a device that can be purchased that can be placed on the screen and magnify the contents?

Thanks,

Pui Burmahln

Sent from my iPad

Hi Pui,

My son uses an application called zoom text. His VI teacher makes sure it is on his computer every year. It helps him enlarge the screen and the mouse. 

Best,
Rachel

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 4, 2014, at 3:15 PM, Pui via blindkid <blindkid at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> My son worked on the computers today in kindergarten. He is having a hard time clicking on the arrow on the screen with the mouse. Actually, he can't see it. For those with low vision kiddos, how did you get around this? Is there a function to make the screen images larger and/or is there a device that can be purchased that can be placed on the screen and magnify the contents?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Pui Burmahln
> 
> Sent from my iPad
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If he is using a Windows computer there are some accessibility
features built in.  Your son's TVI should be aware of these and know
how to set up the computer so it will work for him.

On 9/4/14, Pui via blindkid <blindkid at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> My son worked on the computers today in kindergarten. He is having a hard
> time clicking on the arrow on the screen with the mouse. Actually, he can't
> see it. For those with low vision kiddos, how did you get around this? Is
> there a function to make the screen images larger and/or is there a device
> that can be purchased that can be placed on the screen and magnify the
> contents?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Pui Burmahln
>
> Sent from my iPad
> _______________________________________________
> blindkid mailing list
> blindkid at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindkid_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> blindkid:
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>

-- 
Marianne Denning, TVI, MA
Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired
(513) 607-6053

What kind of computer? The Macs have built in magnification and voice. For the others, you can go into control panels, and go to Mouse and you can set the cursor to have a tail, or a cirlcle to find it easier. Also, If they are using a mouse with a scroll button, you can hold down the control key and scroll on the mouse and it will enlarge or make smaller what is on the screen (usually!) Control and Scroll is how my students remember. 
And yes, zoom text is an entire screen magnification program. 
Hope this helps at least a little.
Gail

-----Original Message-----
From: blindkid [mailto:blindkid-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Pui via blindkid
Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2014 2:15 PM
To: Blind Kid Mailing List
Subject: [blindkid] Computer screen magnification

My son worked on the computers today in kindergarten. He is having a hard time clicking on the arrow on the screen with the mouse. Actually, he can't see it. For those with low vision kiddos, how did you get around this? Is there a function to make the screen images larger and/or is there a device that can be purchased that can be placed on the screen and magnify the contents?

Thanks,

Pui Burmahln

Sent from my iPad
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We had Zoomtext added to one of the computers in the classroom to enlarge everything.  The TVI has to get it for him because it requires the district to purchase a license.  There's a product called iZoom that's like a flash drive that plugs into the computer he's using. Read about it on the link below.

http://issist1.com/?page_id=93

Doreen

On Sep 4, 2014, at 4:06 PM, Marianne Denning via blindkid <blindkid at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> If he is using a Windows computer there are some accessibility
> features built in.  Your son's TVI should be aware of these and know
> how to set up the computer so it will work for him.
> 
> On 9/4/14, Pui via blindkid <blindkid at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> My son worked on the computers today in kindergarten. He is having a hard
>> time clicking on the arrow on the screen with the mouse. Actually, he can't
>> see it. For those with low vision kiddos, how did you get around this? Is
>> there a function to make the screen images larger and/or is there a device
>> that can be purchased that can be placed on the screen and magnify the
>> contents?
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> Pui Burmahln
>> 
>> Sent from my iPad
>> _______________________________________________
>> blindkid mailing list
>> blindkid at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindkid_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> blindkid:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindkid_nfbnet.org/marianne%40denningweb.com
> 
> 
> -- 
> Marianne Denning, TVI, MA
> Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired
> (513) 607-6053
> 
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On a PC, in Accessibility settings you can enlarge the cursor, leave a
trail when you move the cursor, change the blink rate, invert the colors
(cursor is dark on white/light colors, light over dark colors).  If he is
light sensitive, you can also adjust the screen brightness.  He can be set
as a user, and the changes applied just to his user account, others using
it would have it unchanged.

On Thu, Sep 4, 2014 at 3:15 PM, Pui via blindkid <blindkid at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> My son worked on the computers today in kindergarten. He is having a hard
> time clicking on the arrow on the screen with the mouse. Actually, he can't
> see it. For those with low vision kiddos, how did you get around this? Is
> there a function to make the screen images larger and/or is there a device
> that can be purchased that can be placed on the screen and magnify the
> contents?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Pui Burmahln
>
> Sent from my iPad
> _______________________________________________
> blindkid mailing list
> blindkid at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindkid_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> blindkid:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindkid_nfbnet.org/bojon91%40gmail.com
>

I am forwarding info for a free webinar on Understanding the Special Ed Process, Part 1. It is being held either Tuesday, Sept 9 or Sept 12. Links are provided for both presentations.

Please feel free to forward this to other families. 

Don't worry if you do not live in FL as we can provide a link to the parent training center in your state.

See ya there!!

Doreen Franklin
IEP Coach, SE Region
Central FL Parent Center
772-284-4458 

On Monday, August 25, 2014 2:39 PM, Central Florida Parent Center <candy at cflparents.org> wrote:

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Free Webinar 

Understanding the Special  
Education Process Part 1 

Two dates and times to choose from: 

Tuesday, September 9th  10:00 am - 11:30 am 
or 
Friday, September 12th  7:00 pm - 8:30 pm                                              

There's a lot to know about the process by which children are identified as having a disability and in need of special education and related services. This webinar will utilize training materials developed and provided by the US Department of Education through NICHCY's Building the Legacy website and will include information on Evaluation, Eligibility, the IEP Meeting, Measuring Progress, and Reevaluation.

Speakers: 

Anna Brynild is the mother of two daughters (one with a disability). She has been with Central Florida Parent Center since 2007 and as our Head IEP Coach, she oversees the IEP Coaching in our 30 county area. Anna has 10 years of experience working directly with families to ensure they understand their rights and their responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA).

Wilbur Hawke is the father of two sons (one with a disability) and was a stay at home dad after his youngest became sick at six months. He successfully navigated hospitals, pediatricians, the early intervention system, and the public school system. He was responsible for the IEP and participated in all the meetings until his son was old enough to make his own decisions. He has been teaching parents how to access the special education process for twenty years. His goal is to help parents understand how to do non-emotional, clearly documented, collaborative business with a focus on outcomes. "Not personal, just business."  

Space is limited, reserve your webinar seat now: 

Tuesday, 9/9/14:  https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/621997408 

Friday, 9/12/14:  https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/925860032 

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qwPX6P_Au6ba7x9AWl74AA_n6wWpsyFPT1pusbBGhmOYgj_hDOQeJsFTaBbeD8lGypgCNmxmWI-bW5mD9vIBd16kwjESUdl0vnF59pBeqLzTP7f152j0C4RhBDBGDAPYXklWmxb22t5TaeI3yI-MlAl7et0ETEtmN29j6pXoP6bDtLu0usZmbTcqZY1FpoOPxdPDPUe1YqT9S5L2L1iGSuMWRtPxUBi-0E2kR_MlDg6L2F-LixkC5s9vyzY0q6xlgSBU9X6H2m3wIxYSqtF61vjG-f2Sk4q23nxrKX_RJJLzVKAV0PStbGg5vA5dkkmlEIU-9sXDhbmE8JCWGW_p9g3Z7JXLyS25FRXNiRp4O3VScRNSZ108tg==&c=TEUXX7iZjLMivisHRHVB2xUioOq7n1BPbMbl83teIX_j6kFqIzDiNA==&ch=d7hEMw981f68CNuABUkFRRQ4A57XZeTNJ7ZHPtwu4mHQYJlV0qoj6Q==             
Central FL Parent Center is the Parent Training & Information Center for 30 counties in central and northeast Florida. Our AWARE project is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act.  Staffed by parents, for parents, we serve families of all ages (birth to 26) and all disabilities, completely free of charge.    

Habla Español.  

(727) 789-2400   (888) 61-AWARE or (888) 612-9273

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