These applications use integrated dictionaries, which also contain the pronunciation of most of the words. Synthetic speech output uses synthesizers such as Elo or eSpeak to produce the sounds. This display then outputs the corresponding text as tactile braille, for translation. Screen readers read displayed text elements and translate the information via synthetic speech output or send signals to a connected braille display. However, since the number of free tools has increased, many health insurance companies simply recommend these to their patients. Check also if your health insurance covers aids such as screen readers. The functions and ways in which the screen reader can be used are also important for private users.īefore purchasing a screen reader, you should make sure to look into whether the state might grant benefits. This often depends on the user’s range of tasks: Do they only have to read documents or also research them on the internet? How well can the user handle the tools that may be available at the workplace? How does cooperation with other colleagues work? In any case, a comprehensive workplace analysis is crucial.

The following questions are also important to ask during the selection process: Does the user only need reading or writing aids at the workplace? What content do they have to work on? What is the budget for setting up the workstation?įor some tasks you will need expensive software, while free tools are sufficient for others. Of course, this also applies to the computer’s operating system and other associated software. For example, if someone uses a braille display, this must be compatible with the screen reader. When choosing a screen reader, it is also important for it to be compatible with the devices used in the work place. However, since not every user is able to or likes to work with inferior speech output, the quality of the screen reader and the built-in synthesizers is extremely important.

For this reason, those using screen readers have, in many cases, had to accept an artificial-sounding speech output, similar to how a robot speaks. Although the development in ongoing, synthetic language still differs markedly from natural human language. The development of synthetic language is one of the main tasks of computational linguistics. The quality of speech output depends on the language being used, with English being better developed since most voice synthesizers are developed in English. After all, some of these tools use complex computer linguistic calculation programs whose development costs have to be reinstated. There are free applications as well as programs that creep into the four-digit range.

The quality, reach, and price of these programs can vary considerably. A distinction must be made between external screen reader programs and internal, system-side applications.

Accessibility screen reader definition