Alternative Display

This section explores the built-in features that technology can convey information that is displayed (visually on screen, through speakers auditorialy or with vibrations or movements as tactile feedback) on a computer, tablet, and mobile device. Built-in features, hardware, and software options are explored in this section.

Built-in Features and Operating Systems

Desktop systems

Windows built-in accessibility features include features that assist with alternative display.

Mac built-in accessibility features include features that assist with alternative display. (TO COME)

Mobile

Android built-in accessibility features include features that assist with alternative display. (TO COME)

iOS (iPad and iPhone) built-in accessibility features include features that assist with alternative display. (TO COME)

Browsers

Chrome OS built-in accessibility features include features that assist with alternative display. (TO COME)

Hardware

 Braille Embossers

A Braille Embosser is a hardware device for “printing” a hard copy of text documents in Braille.

 Closed Circuit Television

Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) allow users to quickly magnify any text, images or text placed under a camera unit. CCTV’s vary in size from portable pocket-sized units to stationary cameras with large displays.

 Refreshable Braille Displays

Refreshable Braille Displays are electronic devices that are used to read text tactually that is typically displayed visually on a computer monitor, tablet or mobile device.

Software and Apps

 Scanning and Reading Software (Optical Character Recognition Software)

Scanning and reading software begins with using a scanner or camera to scan paper documents into a computer or mobile device or tablet. Optical character recognition (OCR) is the process of converting an image of text, such as a scanned paper document or electronic PDF file, into editable text.

 Screen Magnifiers

Screen magnification software is used by individuals with visual impairments to access information on a computer’s screen. The software enlarges any information on the screen including text, icons and graphics by pre-determined incremental factors.

 Screen Readers

Screen readers are used to replace the visual display traditionally viewed on a screen for those with visual disabilities. Hardware and software produce synthesized voice output for text displayed on the screen, as well as for gestures and keystrokes entered on the keyboard.

Share new technologies with us!

Technology is always changing, let us know if you know of a new technology we should consider adding to this section.