Writing & Computers

Talking word processors incorporate speech output that provides a key echo when typing letters, saying a word or sentence aloud or when reading back text that has been typed on the screen. They also provide adjustable font size and adjustable foreground and background colors.

Write:OutLoud (Don Johnston, Inc)

A relatively new and inexpensive talking word processor, IntelliTalk II, provides independent access for students with VI to most word processing and reading tasks, once the keyboard commands are learned. It may be a good choice for a very young student just beginning to use the computer. We offer a handout on tips for using IntelliTalk II for students with visual impairments.

Fonts and formats

We rely on visual feedback when writing. We look at what we have written to be sure that the words make sense and are spelled correctly. When composing or revising, we frequently look back at previously written sections and insert, delete, reorganize paragraphs or make marginal notes. In using computers, the printing of written text eliminates poor legibility issues, making what is written, readable.

Fonts make a difference

• Proportionally-spaced sans serif fonts such as Arial, Universal or Helvetica are easier to read than serif fonts such as Times or fixed-space fonts such as Courier.
• APHont ™ is a font designed for individuals with Low Vision.
• Non-justified text is easier to track down a page than justified.
• Lower or mixed-case letters are easier to read than capitals since the height of the letters and the shape of a word can be recognized more easily.

You can download free fonts from the Internet or purchase Font programs.

Using A Typing Program

Young children without a visual impairment typically use a "hunt & peck" keyboarding method when first using the computer. Formal keyboarding instruction is not introduced until later. In fact, there is some disagreement among educators and computer specialists as to when teaching touch typing is appropriate. For students with low vision, however, a hunt & peck approach is often very inefficient.

Keyboarding skills should be introduced early and deliberately to facilitate the use of the computer as a reading and writing tool. One way to introduce keyboarding to a student with low vision is to use an inexpensive talking word processor or a computer program developed to teach keyboarding.

Features of typing programs to look for depend on whether the student requires a magnification program:

1. For students not using a magnification program, teachers should look for programs that:
   • Introduce the letters to be typed in a high contrast, uncluttered background,
   • Provide a large or adjustable font size,
   • Provide audio prompting of letters to be typed, and
   • Provide audio feedback when keys are pressed.
2. For students using a magnification program, it is important to determine whether the letters to be typed, and letters the student types, remain in the viewport.

View our examples of typing tutorial software used with screen magnification.