A screen magnification system enlarges text and graphics on a computer screen. It is loaded into the computer’s memory and functions similarly to a magnifying glass moving over a page, following the cursor, and magnifying the area around it. Using a mouse or keyboard commands, a user positions the cursor on the section of the screen to be magnified or has the cursor move automatically across and down a magnified page at a preset speed. The magnified area may also be emphasized with color and shading, so that users who lose their place on screen may easily locate a magnified area. Fonts used in magnification programs are usually designed to smooth out the jagged or “stair-step” appearance of computer-produced diagonal or curved lines. Today’s full-featured screen magnifiers can magnify all items on a screen, including the mouse pointer, text cursor, icons, buttons, and title bars. The magnifiers also provide a set of mouse tracking features.
Persons with considerable vision may not need a screen magnification program. Instead, they may use a larger monitor that allows for larger text or graphics while keeping all material on the screen. Larger text and graphics can be achieved by lowering the screen resolution so that bigger pixels are used.
In addition, the appearance of objects or texts on a screen may be altered using the accessibility wizard in a Windows system, which provides a number of options. These options include adjustments for the font size, screen resolution, scroll bar size, icon size, color scheme, mouse cursor appearance, and mouse cursor blink rate. The main accessibility feature in Windows, however, is its screen magnifier which can also be set up through the accessibility wizard. Although the default color scheme in Windows is black text on a gray background, this can be changed to be more easily distinguished using one of Windows high-contrast color schemes.
Recently, screen reader manufacturers have added text-to-speech output to their products. This allows people with low vision to use a combination of magnification and speech. If a user requires primarily speech output or is losing vision, a screen reader may be a better choice.
Following are some questions to consider when purchasing screen magnification systems:
- Is the magnification software compatible with your computer’s operating system?
- Does it include cursor enhancements?
- What is the highest magnification level?
- Is screen reading software included?
- Does it allow for inverted colors?
Dolphin Guide
All-in-one software suite with built-in large print and speech access. Designed to be easy-to-use and easy-to-learn.
Eye-Pal® Ace
Portable battery-operated and braille-compatible screen reader and scanner with a built-in screen for displaying photos, magnifying small objects and enlarging texts for individuals who have difficulty reading printed text.
Eye-Pal® ROL (Read Out Loud)
Lightweight, battery-operated, portable scanner and reader that comes with a pair of headphones that easily plugs into the front of the device for privacy. The ergonomic thumbwheels and tactile controls are intuitively located for ease of use. Braille-display compatible for reading a book or a menu at a restaurant or filling out a form at the doctor's office. Incorporates the AudioMinder technology, allowing the user to set an alarm and record appointment reminders.
Eye-Pal® Vision
Fast, accurate, and easy-to-use scanning and reading appliance that connects to a monitor or TV to display text in a high-contrast, large font so user can read along as the content is spoken. May be used for scanning a printed page, pill bottle, recipe card, or newspaper. Motion detector automatically senses when a new page is placed under the camera.
iMax for Mac
Screen magnification and screen reading software for Mac users. Provides magnification, contour enhancement and pointer settings as well as screen reading with high-quality speech output. In addition to text to speech voices, such as Infovox iVox by Acapela, it comes with automatic language identification in the screen reader mode and GhostReader, an application for reading documents. GhostReader contains shortkeys for fast and easy access to the text and the user can listen to documents including file types such as Text, Word, HTML, PDF, ODT or RTF. Also allows user to save texts as Mp3-files to be played in iTunes, be uploaded to an iPod, iPad or burned onto a CD.
iReader Reading Device
Compact and portable lightweight reading device that scans and reads text documents such as books, newspapers or bills with a push of a button. May be connected to an external monitor via VGA and HDMI connectors and has 8 zoom settings. Offers fully readable letter size with an option for column recognition and allows documents to be stored for later use. Has a standard audio jack for headphones or external speakers. Internal battery available for portability.
MAGic (without speech)
Offers several magnification modes. Has a magnification range of 2x to 16x and a bookmark-indexing feature allowing quick storage and recall of up to ten screen locations. Used by computer users who do not have plans to purchase the newer operating systems. Also available with speech.
Supernova Magnifier
Combined screen reader and magnifier that allows users to access Windows applications either through magnification, braille, or speech output. Computer display is magnified up to 64x and the information is also presented in braille for users of the many supported braille devices.
Supernova Magnifier and Screen Reader
Combined screen reader and magnifier that allows users to access Windows applications either through magnification, braille, or speech output. Computer display is magnified up to 64x and the information is also presented in braille for users of the many supported braille devices. Allows users to write map files to make nonstandard applications usable.
SuperNova Magnifier and Speech
Combined screen reader and magnifier that allows users to access Windows applications either through magnification, braille, or speech output. Computer display is magnified up to 64x and the information is also presented in braille for users of the many supported braille devices.
ZoomText Fusion
Screen magnification and screen reading software that provides the features and benefits of ZoomText Magnifier/Reader, plus a complete screen reader.
ZoomText Mac Screen
Screen magnification and screen reading software for the Mac.
ZoomText Magnifier
Screen magnification system with eight zoom window types. Features include 1x to 36x magnification; color, brightness and contrast controls; visible pointers and cursors; Dual Monitor Support and application-specific settings.
ZoomText Magnifier/Reader
Screen magnification system integrated with basic screen reading capabilities. Features include 1x to 36x magnification; eight zoom window types; color, brightness and contrast controls; visible pointers and cursors; Dual Monitor Support; application-specific settings; human-sounding reading voices; program, typing and mouse echo options; and automatic document reading.
