Assistive technology at State Library Victoria

What is it?

JAWS stands for Job Access With Speech. It is a type of screen-reader (a software which turns text on a computer screen into speech). The Library can only offer limited assistance with JAWS.

Where is it?

JAWS is on three assistive technology computers:

• Information Centre, AT computer 1 and 2
• Redmond Barry Reading Room, AT computer 3

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Tips

• Chrome or Firefox are the best browsers for JAWS. 
• Explore free online training for JAWS [new window] by Freedom Scientific.

What is it?

Read&Write is a collection of accessibility tools. It is designed to assist with reading and writing tasks. This program allows users to read and edit text in different ways, and includes a text to speech tool and the ability to create voice notes. You can also change screen contrast, and access a picture dictionary. There are many features of Read&Write.

Read&Write assists with literacy, reading comprehension, spelling, writing, and focus. This program assists people with different learning requirements, and can be helpful for people with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and autism.

Where is it?

Read&Write is on all three assistive technology computers:

• Information Centre, AT computers 1 and 2
• Redmond Barry Reading Room, AT computer 3

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Tips

• You can use multiple tools in Read&Write at the same time.
• Screen masking acts like a reading ruler to help focus your reading. With screen masking, you can use your cursor like a torch to focus on what you are reading. Blocking out parts of the screen can also help with light sensitivity.

The video below [10:22] from the designers of Read&Write, highlights key features of the software.

What is it?

NVDA stands for Non-Visual Desktop Access. It is a free and open-source, portable screen-reader for Microsoft Windows created by NV Access.

Where is it?

NVDA is on all three assistive technology computers:

• Information Centre, AT computers 1 and 2
• Redmond Barry Reading Room, AT computer 3

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Tips

• Chrome and Firefox are the best browsers for NVDA.
• Visit the help pages on the NV access website [new window] for more information.

What is it?

FSReader is used to read DAISY books across different formats (for example, audio only, text only or full-text and full-audio). It works alongside the screen reader JAWS. DAISY stands for Digital Accessible Information System.

Where is it?

• Information Centre, AT computers 1 and 2
• Redmond Barry Reading Room, AT computer 3

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Tips

• Press F1 while FSReader is running to open the Help Guide.

What is it?

PEARL Camera is a piece of equipment that enables text-to-speech. 

It assists blind and vision-impaired users to access printed material. The camera connects to a dedicated assistive technology computer and captures a picture of your chosen printed material. It then reads the material aloud (headphones are provided). Use PEARL to read books, forms, magazines, and other printed material.

Where is it?

• Information Centre, AT computer 1
• Redmond Barry Reading Room, AT computer 3

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Tips

• Open the application OpenBook software to identify text, including across columns, and read it back to you in logical reading order.
• Hold ctrl + L to turn on the inbuilt light. Ensure there is adequate lighting.
• PEARL can read and translate material in languages other than English.

Image: Freedom Scientific's PEARL Camera, linked to a laptop with OpenBook.