Windows 10 Upgrade Considerations for Screen Reader and Magnifier Users, From the Microsoft Accessibility Blog
*Caption: *This blog post was written by Rob Sinclair, Microsoft's Chief Accessibility Officer. Rob is responsible for the company's worldwide strategy to develop software and services that make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to see, hear, and use their computers.**
On July 29, Windows 10 becomes available for PCs and tablets, and will be available on additional devices by the end of the year. If you currently use Assistive Technologies (AT), like screen readers or magnifiers, your experience on Windows 10 will be similar in many ways to what you are accustomed to on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. In addition, Windows 10 introduces new features and applications that will continue to improve as we deliver Windows as a service to our customers over time.
For the most accessible Windows 10 experience possible, I suggest the following:
- Ask your AT manufacturer about Windows 10 compatibility, their recommended upgrade process, and timing.
- Set your default web browser to Internet Explorer for a more accessible web browsing experience.
- Install a 3rd party PDF reader like Adobe Reader, for a more accessible PDF reading experience.
- Use the Outlook and Office desktop applications for a more accessible email and productivity experience.
- If you have a secondary computer, consider upgrading this one first, to familiarize yourself with the Windows 10 experience.
If you have upgraded to Windows 10 and find your AT is not working as expected, or you've encountered an accessibility issue, please consider the following options:
- Contact the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for support.
- Contact your AT manufacturer for more information.
We're continuing to work with our AT partners to improve the accessibility of the Windows 10 experience and we value your feedback. If you haven't done so already, please consider joining the Windows Insider Program to share your experiences and suggestions.
Ai Squared, the makers of ZoomText and WindowEyes, is working toward compatibility with Windows 10
Ai Squared, the makers of ZoomText and WindowEyes is working toward compatibility with Windows 10, and it has put together some key information to help you plan for the release.
Ai Squared has set up a page to keep its customers up-to-date on its progress and is posting weekly updates. On this page, you will also find Frequently Asked Questions about Windows 10 compatibility. Check out Ai Squared's weekly Windows 10 updates for important compatibility information!
Dolphin Computer Access Brings Blind and Partially Sighted People Immediate access to Windows 10 in ALL its Software Solutions
SuperNova 15 (available as a public beta) is the first and only solution to bring magnification, screen reading and Braille support to Windows 10 devices, empowering visually impaired people to experience Windows 10 from release day.
Dolphin Guide delivers simpler, talking menu access to Windows 10; perfect for computer novices with age related sight loss.
Dolphin's alternative format creation tools also bring immediate support for Windows 10: EasyConverter to create Braille, large print & audio formats; EasyReader delivering DAISY talking book access and Dolphin Publisher as a professional DAISY talking book production tool.
Check Out SuperNova Links and Resources
Download the SuperNova 15 public beta with Windows 10 support
Existing SuperNova customers – Pre-order your v15 upgrade.
Read Dolphin's Windows 10 Tips
- How to reserve your free Windows 10 upgrade?
- Meet the new Windows 10 start menu – a blind and partially sighted perspective
- Multiple desktops.
JAWS 16 and MAGic 13 Are Windows 10 Ready
Freedom Scientific has announced the compatibility of the latest updates of the JAWS 16 screen reader and MAGic 13 screen magnification software with Windows 10. Windows 10 was released on July 29, 2015, and is offered as a free upgrade for devices running Windows 8.1 or Windows 7.
"Over the past few months we have worked with Microsoft to ensure compatibility with Windows 10. The newest versions of JAWS and MAGic are ready for Windows 10, without the need for paid upgrades," said Eric Damery, Vice President of Software Management at Freedom Scientific.
Anyone with an earlier version of JAWS or MAGic and who is planning to update to Windows 10, will need to follow the instructions provided in the Freedom Scientific prepared guide. Visit the Windows 10 Upgrade web page for the smoothest transition to the new Windows operating system.
Celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act: 25th Anniversary
Twenty-five years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark piece of legislation prohibiting discrimination based on disability, was signed into law
To celebrate the anniversary, the Obama Administration hosted a reception at the White House. In addition, several other government agencies and departments are celebrating too. From July 24-26, the Smithsonian Museum of American History hosted a 25th ADA Anniversary Festival for Federal agencies to offer educational insights about the ADA, employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and the history of the disability rights movement. The festival also presented interactive demonstrations of accessible and inaccessible streetscapes, new way-finding technology, access technology, accessible vehicles, and more. Participating federal agencies included the Departments of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Justice, Labor, State, and Transportation, as well as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Park Service, the Social Security Administration, and the US Agency for International Development. The White House also hosted a series of events celebrating the ADA and the past, present, and future of the disability rights movement.
The passage of this act was one of America's great civil rights triumphs. It was the culmination of many years of struggle by the countless people who marched, organized, and refused to be treated as second-class citizens. In his remarks, President Obama not only spoke to the significance of this historic legislation, but also highlighted some of the steps being taking today to ensure equality and opportunity for all Americans, including those with disabilities.
The current administration works to ensure the full implementation of the ADA. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of its passage, the administration has announced a series of new actions aimed at improving the lives of and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities. These announcements include: employment opportunity, high quality education, civic and community participation, health care and healthy living, fair housing, accessible transportation, and information and communications technologies. For more information on the details of the ADA expansion please visit The White House Press Office website.
The New AccessWorld App Is Now Available!
The new AccessWorld app, Version 2.0, is actually a completely new app that has been rewritten from the ground up. Now, the app is much more responsive and includes the following new features: – Updated automatically on new issue launch,
– Ability to search the full AccessWorld archive,
– Enhanced table of contents with author information for each article,
– Improved article sharing through e-mail and social media,
– Full interface refresh including text resizing through pinch to zoom and toolbar controls,
– Now includes iPad support.
Be sure to update to Version 2.0 or download the new app from the Apple App Store today!
The AFB VisionConnect App Is Now Available
The American Foundation for the Blind is pleased to announce the release of a free, accessible iOS app: VisionConnect, a prescription for independence for patients who are blind or losing vision. This app provides a searchable directory of services available in the US and Canada for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired. By using this app, you can find services such as computer and technology training, daily living skills training, braille and reading instruction, dog guide training, employment services, low vision services, and more. You can also drill down into resources such as tips for modifying your home, accessible products, medication management, a Getting Started Kit, information for veterans, stories about people living and working with visual impairment, and more. Mock "prescription pads" are available to give to doctors and other health care providers to encourage them to "prescribe" the VisionConnect app to patients who need information about services and living with vision loss.
If you have questions, please e-mail Vision Aware.
Download VisionConnect for the iPhone or the iPad.
Envision Launches Global Search for Next Research Fellows
Envision announced that it has initiated a search for two additional postdoctoral research fellows to design and execute research projects in conjunction with the Envision Research Institute (ERI), launched earlier this year.
The new fellows will be sponsored by sister blind and visually impaired agencies Bosma Enterprises, the Indianapolis-based manufacturer and provider of job training, employment services, rehabilitation and outreach for those who are blind and visually impaired, and LC Industries, Inc., the Durham, NC-based manufacturer of Skilcraft brand products and operator of distribution centers and retail stores on military bases.
ERI research fellows will work on their respective studies for up to two years, partnering with mentors at Envision and at renowned educational, research, and medical institutions around the world. Their work puts them on a fast track to independent and impactful research careers, and provides a nurturing environment in which they can strive to pinpoint solutions to improve the quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired.
"The Envision Fellowship Program offers post-doctoral candidates the chance to advance both their studies and their careers. In addition to classic training in research methods and scientific writing, fellows are immersed in Envision's programs and services, witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by the BVI community and the approaches that currently exist to address them," said Laura Walker, Executive Director of the ERI. "At ERI, fellows have the unique opportunity to pursue independent research, while experiencing how their science can have an impact on the lives of those who are visually impaired."
For further information, please visit the Envision Research Institute and its Fellowship program.
Envision Debuts New Website to Increase Accessibility to Participation in, and Support for, Programs and Services
Envision recently announced the debut of its revamped website, EnvisionUs, designed to better illustrate the organization's numerous and increasing facets and provide a stronger, more flexible foundation upon which to expand Envision's online presence in the future.
The new site reflects the evolution undergone by Envision in its drive to improve the quality of life and provide inspiration for the blind and visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education, and research. The site's design, structure, and content all have been retooled to make it easier for users—whether they are people affected by vision loss or impairment, professionals dedicated to improving the lives of such individuals, donors whose support helps fund Envision's ongoing activity, volunteers looking to assist in the execution of Envision's programs and services, job seekers hoping to secure employment within the organization, or other organizations interested in partnerships or purchasing Envision's products and services—to interface with the organization,.
The new website represents the ever-increasing breadth of this activity, said Heather Hogan, Senior Vice President of Foundation and Mission Services, and acknowledges that Envision's evolutionary process is far from over.
Improvements in accessibility include optimizing the new site to work with assistive technology such as screen readers and magnifiers. More vivid imagery and video have been added to tell the Envision story, and a section labeled "Our Stories" brings Envision to life by introducing visitors to a wide variety of individuals relating how their ties to the organization have had a positive impact on their lives. Other features include quick access to a blog that highlights the people and aspects that make up the Envision community, a calendar of coming events, and a tab to access an online donation form to help support the organization's efforts.
Access Technology at Discounted Prices Available from the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind
The Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind Technology Store has two sections for products with discounted prices on its website, one for used and former demonstration CCTVs and another for new items that are discontinued or that the Chicago Lighthouse is no longer selling. If you are in the market for more affordable access technology, please check out the links below. You may also wish to save these links, as the listings are continually updated.
Pre-owned Electronic CCTVs and Other Access Technology
If you have questions regarding the Chicago Lighthouse and its discounted products, please e-mail Luke Scriven or call 312-997-3649.
Envision Named 2015 AbilityOne Contractor of The Year by USDA For Business Card Printing
Envision announced that its Envision Print division has been selected to receive the 2015 AbilityOne Contractor of the Year Award from the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Services division. The award recognizes exemplary service demonstrated by an organization participating in the AbilityOne program, the federal initiative established to help people who are blind or who have other severe disabilities find employment at nonprofit agencies that sell products and/or services to the US government.
This is the fifth time that the USDA has presented the prestigious award to Envision, which has been producing business cards for the agency since 2008.
Envision Print produces more than two million business cards each month at its ISO 9001:2008 certified Wichita facility, including cards enhanced with braille. The organization offers a simple and cost-effective way for government employees to obtain business cards under the AbilityOne Program, and is the only GSA-approved source for business cards purchased with appropriated funds. Its easy-to-use web-to-print service is a secure online ordering system that provides access to more than 3,200 online business card templates and approved agency templates as well as the ability to upload designs and artwork.
