Screen Reader
Erica Nelms
MCCMN 336
September 20, 2007

My Definition of Screen Reader
A screen reader is a program or
Assisted Technology that easily
enables individuals who are blind or
suffer from visual impairments to
navigate the web. This program uses
a synthetic voice to read aloud the
content displayed on the computer
screen to the user.

How it is used…
There are basically two ways a
screen reader can be used
Reading the web content to the user
Translating the content into Braille

Screen Readers in use
Braille

Screen Readers in use
A blind man using a screen reader

Brief History of a screen reader
pioneer…
In the late ‘80’s Henter-Joyce was co-founded by Ted Henter, who believed
that visual impairment of any kind should not get in the way of gratifying a
persons’ potential. Henter-Joyce developed JAWS and Job Access With
Speech. JAWS is used for the visually impaired to read web content. Job
Access With Speech translates web content into voice or Braille. By the late
‘90’s JAWS was available in over fourteen different languages.
In 2000 Henter-Joyce merged with two other AT (assistive technology)
companies. They formed a new company, Freedom Scientific. Freedom
Scientific offers a wide range of products and services for people with
disabilities. In 2002, Henter Math was founded to make mathematics
accessible to those who cannot use a pencil. Arithmetic 1, their first product
was released in May of 2003.
Ted Henter, a co-founder of Henter-Joyce and Freedom Scientific strongly
believes in his products being a blind man himself. Henter was blinded by a
motorcycle accident at the age of 27. Being true to what he believes Henter
also hires visually impaired employees. 40% of his 75 employees are all
visually impaired.

Popular Screen Reader Programs
Today:
JAWS for Windows
Window Eyes
Freedom Scientific
Arithmetic 1

Where I got my information
Google Web Definitions
http://www.paddle-
odyssey.com/bios/thenter.htm