Welcome to the programs page.
Here you can find some programs that are free, but require website registration, or completion of a download form,
As well as some pay-for programs and web services.
You can also listen to some audio demonstrations, which can be found on the:
Blind-computing.com audio tutorials page.
For registration and
download, visit:
http://www.coolsoftllc.com/CoolInfo/Register/
CoolInfo 1.0 Voice
Recognition is a free speech recognition program distributed by CoolSoft, LLC.
CoolInfo lets you get information from the Internet by
speech, including news,
weather, horoscopes, joke of the day and other websites of common interest. You
can also search Google, Yahoo, eBay and MSN entirely
by speech. Other features
like User Commands and Calculator lets you create your own speech commands, and
use the Windows calculator by speech.
To make it possible for us to
offer CoolInfo Voice Recognition for free, CoolInfo displays a banner space,
speaks messages for our sponsors, and requires
registration which is also
free. CoolInfo is not adware or spyware, and does not take any personal
information from your computer. Banners appear only
when CoolInfo is running, and
CoolInfo runs only when you start it.
http://www.readingmadeez.com/DownloadForm.php
The E-Text Reader is designed to be a reading tool. You can use it for opening up and reading existing documents in your computer or you can cut and paste
from any program on your computer. You can even insert pictures into the text. It is an “easy to use” reader that gives you the ability to change voices,
read at any speed, and even allows you to make notes into the document you are reading.
Since the interface is actually a word processor, you can select and highlight text just like you would use a highlighter in a regular book. You can also
insert any number of "bookmarks". You can save these bookmarks with the documents so the next time you open it, you can quickly go back to a point of interest
or to where you left off. In addition to highlighting and bookmarks, you can “underline” and “bold” text so that they can be easily identified.
Everything in the E-Text Reader can be controlled with hot keys or Icons on the toolbar, making it easy for everyone to use. We have also built-in the electronic
manual so that the E-Text Reader can actually read its own manual to you.
E-Text Reader Features
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Compatible with multiple File Formats including: Standard Text, MS Word (All Versions”), HTML and Rich Text Formats. Cut and Paste “to” or “from” any program.
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Highlights and tracks each word as it reads.
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Change Foreground and Background colors.
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Adjustable Reading Speeds.
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Reading pace. Read one word at a time or continuously.
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Bookmarks. Insert bookmarks to mark locations in the text.
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Highlighting features. Use the built in highlighters to highlight text for studies.
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Change Fonts. You can change the print fonts. The default is Arial, but you can change it to any font on your computer.
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Zoom. No more fine print. Magnify the document up to 4X or change the font size to 48 Point.
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Audio books. Bookmarks are compatible with our Text To Audio product when creating audio books.
Who is the E-Text Reader designed for?
The E-Text Reader is designed to help those who have trouble reading or comprehending the printed word. There are thousands of literature titles now available
in electronic format. This is great, but if you have trouble reading, electronic formats will be just as difficult to read as hardcopy. To solve this problem,
we developed the E-Text Reader. This reader will read (using digital voices) the electronic version of books (“E-Books, or E-Text”) to you. The E-Text
Reader can read any document in Standard Text, MS Word, RTF (“Rich Text Format”) and HTML formats.
The E-Text Reader goes beyond just reading. With E-Text Reader, you can highlight text for notes or just for points of interest. The built-in highlighter
lets you select the text you want to highlight and then select the highlighter and the text will be highlighted. The multiple colors of highlighters allow
you to easily make notes in the document. E-Text Reader will also allow you to type your own notes right in the document.
How many people can finish a lengthy novel like "War and Peace" in a single setting? Virtually no one can. That is why we have given you the ability to
insert bookmarks. You can insert an unlimited number of bookmarks. These bookmarks can be saved such that when you open the document, you can quickly navigate
from bookmark to bookmark and find exactly where you left off.
System Requirements
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Operating System: Windows 2000 and XP.
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Memory: 128 MB of RAM.
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CPU: 500 MHz or Faster.
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Storage: 40 MB of Free space.
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CD ROM Drive: 4X or Faster.
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Sound Card with Speakers.
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Keyboard and Mouse.
http://www1.robobraille.org/websites/acj/robobraille.nsf
RoboBraille automates the
translation of text documents into Braille and speech. The service is available
free of charge to all non-commercial users.
With RoboBraille, you can
List of 6 items
• Translate documents
into contracted Braille
• Translate documents
into speech
• Translate text into
visual Braille
• Convert text documents
between different character sets
• Convert Braille
documents to specific Braille character sets
• Partition documents
into smaller parts
list end
http://www.readingmadeez.com/trial/
Talking Calculator
This full functioning "talking calculator" can be used with or without a screen reader. Every button and edit area talks. It is easy to use with large keys
and contrasting colors. It has three display areas, so when the user adds a series of numbers, the total is always displayed, even as you are entering
a new number, while always displaying any numbers in memory.
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However, the feature that really sets it apart from other calculators is that it displays your entries and results as you work. It actually displays the
equation so that you can easily see or hear your last process. When students are required to show their work, they can simply cut and paste the steps into
a document.
This tool is the perfect affordable complement to any assistive software suite.
System Requirements:
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200 MHz Pentium or Faster
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Windows 2000 or XP
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25 MB of free disk space
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32 MB of Ram
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Mouse
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Keyboard
http://software.techrepublic.com.com/download.aspx?docid=212318
Overview:
XP SysPad is a launcher, which makes access to Windows system utilities its specialty. All of the prime Windows system info and utilities such
as the individual control panel applets, as well as the "hidden" applications in Windows, can be launched with the click of one button, which makes it
easier than hunting around the explorer pane or waiting for menus to fold out. For convenience, it also can minimize itself to the system tray. It launches
over 180 functions in all.
| Size: 721KB
Date: Sep 2005 | Version: 6.3 |
System Requirements: Windows 2000/XP |
License: Free |
Serotek Corporation.
public beta release of a web application called SA To Go (System Access To Go), the first product to make Web 2.0 accessible to the blind
and the visually impaired.
SA To Go is a web-resident product stemming from Serotek's award-winning System Access software. More than a screen reader, System Access requires no installation
and provides complete control of your e-mail, makes web surfing easy, and offers intuitive access to Microsoft Office productivity tools like Word, PowerPoint
and Excel. SA To Go makes System Access available on the Web for instant operation and has no permanence on the using computer. Users can now access System
Access software anytime, anywhere that Internet access is available.
SA To Go provides instant accessibility. Once online, users can visit
www.SAtoGo.com
and it appears in seconds. When finished, the user simply closes the program and any personal information vanishes leaving the host computer completely
unchanged.
Issest Released Beta Version Of The First Web-based Screen Magnifier iZoom Web
Issist, manufacturer of the worlds best free screen magnifier spawned a new revolution in screen magnification today through the Beta release of iZoom Web,
the worlds first web based screen magnifier. iZoom Web is the only screen magnifier that runs directly from a webpage.
iZoom Web is a milestone beyond "iZoom Standard 1.2", the company's previous flagship product. It's faster, smaller, more portable and has features that
rival its more expensive counterparts. Since iZoom Web doesn't install any video chaining drivers its impact on the operating system is minimal and it's
compatible with almost any application. iZoom Web has a vast array of features to make viewing and reading on your screen easier. Various color options,
improved font smoothing, mouse options, caret/focus tracking, reading, 8 different zoom modes all help make your computing experience more productive and
enjoyable.
USB and CD based versions of the latest iZoom version will be available shortly as well. iZoom Web is compatible with Windows 2000/XP/Vista. Issist invites
all users to try out the Beta version for free at
No more high cost computer systems with complicated adaptive technology. Now you can simply talk to the FreedomBox and it will do what you ask. The FreedomBox
is a voice-controlled Internet access device. It combines the power of a top-of-the-line audio output interface with high quality voice recognition to
give users the power to control a properly equipped personal computer using nothing but voice commands. The brains of FreedomBox are contained in our
FreedomBox software package that can be loaded onto any suitably configured computer. With FreedomBox software installed, the personal computer is a FreedomBox.
What is FreedomBox Network?
FreedomBox connects to the Internet through a portal called FreedomBox Network. FreedomBox Network provides all the access functionality of an Internet
Service Provider (ISP) including thousands of local dial-up numbers which means, of course, that subscribers do not have to pay toll charges to access
the service. Users who have other contracted ISP services can also link directly to FreedomBox Network over the Internet. FreedomBox Network brings together
the most desired Internet-based services including: e-mail, chat groups, shopping, news, a wide-variety of entertainment options, direct links to government
and service organization sites, financial services and much, much more.
Internet for Everyone
Computer:
What do you want to do?
User:
Send and e-mail.
Computer:
OK; who do you want to send an e-mail to?
User:
Mom.
Computer:
Please say your e-mail message now.
Together, FreedomBox and the FreedomBox Network deliver Internet access for people who, in the past, have faced enormous barriers in accessing Internet-based
services. We believe that access to the Internet will enrich people's lives by removing barriers to employment and education opportunities, information,
entertainment, shopping and other highly desired services. In a very real sense, we offer our community "Freedom" to enjoy the Internet, packaged in a
convenient "Box" that requires no special training or expertise to use. Hence the name FreedomBox. We think it fits.
System Access Stand-Alone:
Our award-winning computer access software is now available as a stand-alone product on up to 2 computers for just $399. System Access gives you full access
to your computer, without the high cost and complexity of a conventional screen reader. In addition to the Windows operating system, you'll be able to
easily use popular applications such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, Adobe Reader, and Skype. You won't need hours of training
to get started; you only need to learn a few basic commands. For work or pleasure, System Access gives you what you need to make the most of your computer
without draining your wallet or wasting your time.
System Access Mobile - $499.00 (USD)
For just $499, you can have the full power of System Access on nearly any computer you encounter on the go, as well as up to 2 computers of your own. Because
System Access Mobile is U3 smart, you can easily install it on any U3 smart drive you choose or Pass Key CD. Once System Access is installed on your mobile
device, just plug or insert it into a computer running Windows 2000 or XP, and the computer will be fully accessible in seconds. You don't need to install
any software on the host computer first, and you can even run System Access Mobile on computers that are tightly secured. No other adaptive technology
offers this combination of functionality, mobility, and affordability; it's truly accessibility anywhere.
System Access Platinum (512MB) - $599.00 (USD)
Don't want to choose a U3 smart drive and set it up? For just $599 plus shipping, you get the power of System Access Mobile and the convenience of a fully
loaded, ready-to-run Key to Freedom. Powerful, portable access has never been simpler.
Pictured is the Key to Freedom. This key-chain-sized 512 MB memory module, based on M-Systems DiskOnKey technology, plugs directly into any USB port on
a Windows XP based computer and allows instant screen reading capabilities. The new Key to Freedom gives the FreedomBox user a fully personal, portable
capability that can be used at any computer, anywhere*.
By using new advanced technologies embedded into the Key to Freedom, when inserted into a USP port, the Key to Freedom will automatically start System Access.
Even if the computer does not have internet access the screen reading capability known as System Access will still work. The Key To Freedom will work on
any Windows user accounts, including guest accounts, without installing any kind of video chain or intercept software. No longer will users have to navigate
the desktop and other folders to start System Access, now you just plug it into any* USB port and you are ready to go!
Now you can walk up to any Windows XP based computer with a USB port, sound, and a modem or broadband connection and, by plugging in your Key to Freedom,
you can be online and using System Access. Libraries, cafes, schools and universities, nursing homes, computers that belong to friends or family members
-- use them all instantly! It doesn't end there; the Key to Freedom is a plug-and-play device, so you won't need to install any drivers.
*The Key to Freedom will operate with Windows XP, and will require speakers and an audio card.
System Access updates:
For an annual fee you will receive all available updates to System Access. As long as you're connected to the Internet, System Access will automatically
download and install updates for you, making it easy to stay current.
Serotek announces expanded Microsoft Office support in System Access, including Excel support Serotek Corporation, the leading provider of Internet and digital information accessibility software and services, has just released significantly expanded support for Microsoft Office in its System Access product, including the ability to create Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations as well as compatibility with Office 2007. System Access makes it easier than ever to create, browse, and edit spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel. Users can easily query row and column titles or have them spoken automatically, jump to cells with data, follow hyperlinks, have System Access speak totals automatically when they change, set up monitor regions to speak automatically when they change, and even create and view Excel charts. For more complex spreadsheets, users can specify the rows and columns that contain titles with only a few keystrokes. When a user customizes the way System Access works with an Excel document, the document-specific settings travel >with the user from one computer to another. The number of configuration options and keyboard commands is kept to a minimum, so users can get started quickly >with little training. Read more about how System Access's new Excel support works. > Creating, editing, and delivering PowerPoint presentations is just as easy with System Access. System Access introduces very few new keystrokes to the process, >so users can focus on the presentation rather than on driving a screen reader. While delivering the presentation, the user can listn to any notes that were entered while creating the slides, even though these notes are not visible to viewers. With a U3 smart drive, a blind presenter can walk up to any Windows XP or Vista PC with Office installed, insert the flash drivre, and be ready to give the presentation in just a few minutes. System Access's PowerPoint >support further levels the playing field for blind instructors, marketers, managers, and other communicators who wish to be competitive in today's highly 1>visual world.
In addition to these new features, System Access now also works seamlessly with Office 2007. The Ribbon, which replaces the menu bar in Office 2007, is >fully accessible. With System Access, blind consumers need not hesitate to switch to the newest version of Office, and blind professionals will not be left behind as organizations upgrade. With our expanded Office support, we continue to provide screen-reader-like functionality without the drawbacks of a conventional screen reader. Our emphasis on automatic access cuts training costs, and all of these new features are available on the go with a U3 smart drive. It's truly accessibility anywhere. For more information about Serotek and its products or to obtain a free 30-day trial, visit www.freedombox.info. If you have had a 30-day trial in the past, you may start a new free 30-day trial using the same account information as before. If you lost your original account information, please do not create a new account; instead, please call (866) 202-0520 or email 1>support@freedombox.info.
http://www.braillebookstore.com/talking-toolbox.htm
Talking Toolbox for Windows
Perfect for kids, made for adults who've just learned to type, and ideal for elderly folks who haven't been around computers all their lives, Talking Toolbox
2.00 is the latest and greatest talking product offered by MarvelSoft. This 100% self-voicing software program lets you send and receive Email, write letters
and read E-books, organize an address book, use a calendar to plan your week, listen to audio CD's ... and even comes with a talking clock and calculator.
What's more, any new blind computer user can now afford to turn their machine into a talking computer - without having to purchase expensive screen-reading
software. In the olden days, the only way a blind person could access a computer was to fork out hundreds of dollars for a screen-reading package that
used synthetic speech to read everything on the screen.
But Talking Toolbox has changed all that. For just $75, you can get your hands on this entire suite of programs, which gives you access to the world of
technology. If you're still new to computers, you'll find the learning curve for this suite of programs to be far quicker than you imagined. We've taken
great care in designing a straightforward interface for the toolbox, to be sure it'll work and act just like you'd expect. But don't be fooled for an instant:
the program is still loaded with all kinds of powerful features for you to take advantage of as you gain experience. And because Talking Toolbox employs
digitized human speech wherever possible (seamlessly switching to synthetic speech only when necessary), blind people new to computers will find it much
easier to understand what the program is saying. Perhaps best of all, Talking Toolbox knows what to read and just when to read it - without your having
to memorize a dozen confusing hotkey combinations.
Already have a screen reader? Think you're too advanced for this program? Think again - you'll surely find that Talking Toolbox makes it much easier (and
way more fun) to do many everyday computing tasks. Imagine ... Writing a letter or Email message, and having every key you press instantly spoken with
human speech. Pulling up a spell-checker that automatically announces the misspelled word and a suggested replacement, where the problem line can be reviewed
with the tap of a button. Writing down appointments in a calendar or contacts in an address book that's so easy to use, you'll actually do it. Playing
a CD, using a calculator, and setting a timer - all without listening to one word of synthesized speech. You get the idea.
Inside your virtual toolbox, you'll find:
* Talking Notebook, a feature-packed talking word processor, complete with lots of user-friendly functions like a fully-narrated spell checker;
* Talking Address Book, a lightning-fast address manager that keeps track of all your addresses, lets you search for a specific one in a flash, then print
it out or automatically call up the person on the phone;
* Phone Pad, an interactive, easy way to learn how to dial phone numbers with words or letters in them;
* Post Office, a fully-functional Email client that allows you to communicate with friends and family around the world, organize your messages in different
folders, spell-check messages you send, and so much more;
* Talking Calculator, a feature-packed program to make balancing the books a piece of cake;
* Talking Calendar, a simple-to-use program that makes sure you'll never miss another doctor's visit, important meeting, or dinner date;
* Talking Alarm Clock, a cuckooing, chiming, bonging program to ensure you always get everything done on time;
* and - last but not least - Talking CD Player, a utility that not only plays CD's in the background, but also lets you label each disc in your collection,
shuffle them to add variety, and create play-lists!
Naturally, each and every one of these tools is entirely self-voicing, narrated with MarvelSoft's state-of-the-art blend of pre-recorded human speech and
text-to-speech technology. Whenever you're typing or cursoring over text letter-by-letter, navigating menus, changing options, or visiting the Help Desk,
the friendly human voice of Eager Eddie guides you every step of the way. And when you're reading back what you've written, you'll enjoy listening to the
voices of Mike or Mary, who offer high-quality speech synthesis.
In a nutshell, Talking Toolbox turns your computer into the most robust toolbox you could ever imagine. It's truly a package you must have if you're a fan
of getting work done in half the time.
System Requirements
To run the program, you'll need:
a PC (at least 90 megahertz) running Windows XP, ME, 2000, 98, 95, or Windows NT Service Pack 4,
16 megabytes of RAM,
20 megabytes of available disc space,
a 16-bit Sound card and speakers (or headphones),
a CD-ROM drive,
and Internet Explorer 4.01 or later (just for components).
Price: $74.95 + $5 Shipping
Last reviewed: March
22, 2008