With continuing technological improvements in the microcomputer industry, the number of current and potential users is rapidly increasing to include people who are visually impaired. Special adaptive hardware and software makes it possible. For persons with low vision, reading a standard computer screen or printed page usually presents an obstacle. Audio output or computerized voice let s a blind user read by hearing the information on the computer screen. Screen reading software with speech synthesizer devices help the user navigate the screen to hear what others see.
Braille is an output alternative for people who are blind.
Two types of Braille devices are Braille printers that produce embossed paper output and paperless tactile displays that use retractable pins to form Braille characters. Software programs perform the necessary translations to Braille files used by the Braille devices. Input adaptations are also used by the visually impaired to improve accuracy and efficiency during data entry. The most frequently used device is the keyboard. Also, the speech synthesizer allows audio output during data entry - providing immediate feedback as the user unable to verify visually enters data.