Strategy: Switching magnification programs

10 Keywords: Zoomtext, Supernova, Storm, Visual Acuity, Eyesight, Visual Impairment, Screen Reading, JAWS, Windows Magnifier, Magnification

3 magnifiers and JAWS screen reader"There are lots of different places in which I learn. If we are required to be networked for a computer workshop, for example, there generally aren’t places you can plug in a laptop with assistive technology in. So, then you are reliant on whatever assistive technologies are available on the network generally, which is not very relevant to me... Yes - that’s where the three environments come from. My laptop has Supernova, ATS has ZoomText and Jaws, and the university computers have Magnifier."

joystick and magnification software

"Unfortunately, SuperNova, Windows Vista and the joystick software (Joystick to Mouse) do not work together. This means I use the strategy of a low screen resolution, extra large pointers and fonts from the Windows control panel settings when the joystick is more important for the task I am doing at that time. I also use Windows Magnifier when necessary; this comes in handy in clinical placements and when there are no adaptive computers in the labs where we were working (time pressures often meant we spent time at satellite campuses, where there were no easily accessible assistive technology facilities, and often I needed to work with friends on group projects)."

Quote

"During my undergrad course at Southampton... it was very frustrating, as wireless network coverage did not extend to all the 'wired' computer rooms, meaning I had to use less than ideal technology for our compulsory study skills workshops (i.e. Non Medical Helper as a screenreader rather than Supernova, and mouse rather than joystick)."

- Hannah

Tip

Are you having to use many different Assistive Technologies such as different types of magnification software or moving between different computers? See if you can get hold of the pen drive versions, but check you are allowed to use them in shared/networked computers. Examples are Storm from Claro Software, Supernova from Dolphin, ZoomText and JAWS from Sight and Sound