Here’s a roundup of recent high-tech aids, including screen magnification software, designed to enhance the computer skills of low-vision students and professionals.

Low-Cost Computers Available

For a $100 donation, the Texas Center for the Physically Impaired (TCPI) provides blind and visually impaired people in the US and Canada with a refurbished computer (a Windows XP desktop model) including mouse, keyboard, sound card, monitor, speakers, and demo versions of Window-Eyes (screen reader) and the screen magnifier ZoomText, whose users are eligible for a free licensed version from TCPI, courtesy of Ai Squared. The package includes a seven-tape computer tutorial. Call 214.340.6328 for Information.

Windows Screen Magnifiers

Clarity’s WinZoom is a plug-and-play screen magnifier and reader whose proprietary features include ClearPoint Font Smoothing, which keeps text crystal clear regardless of zoom level, and SmartAlign, which, with one mouse click, realign paragraphs to fit the screen. WinZoom ($399) magnifies screens from 1.5x to 36 times original size, installs in seconds (on any Windows-compatible computer) and requires neither software installation nor administrative privileges. Call 925.449.2000 for information.

ZoomText Express offers a slight boost of screen magnification (up to 2x) for computer users with low vision or who wish to avoid eyestrain. The software has adjustable mouse pointer and text cursor as well as a variety of screen tints to reduce glare and sharpen contrast. It works on all Windows XP and Vista laptop and desktop computers and costs $49.99 (download) or $59.99 (plus shipping) for a boxed product. Contact Ai Squared (800.859.0270) for more information.

Lexmark’s Accessibility Solution

Web-based software enables disabled users to set up and complete copy, fax, email, ftp, and scan jobs directly from a PC, rather than from an MFP touchscreen display. The software is compatible with popular accessibility programs, such as Window-Eyes, Voice Sense and Braille Sense, JAWS, MAGic and ZoomText.

Audio Labeler

The PenFriend audio labeler is a pocket-sized device that records information using self-adhesive labels as audio tags. When the pen is held over the label, the recorded message plays. You can use it to label food items, film and music collections, household objects, letters, and other paperwork. It can also be used as a digital notetaker to record shopping lists or leave audio messages. The pen has up to 70 hours of recording time (1 GB of memory) and the ability to download MP3 files, including books and music. The standard kit includes 127 labels in various shapes and sizes, a built-in speaker, USB cable, lanyard, and two AAA batteries. The PenFriend is available from RNIB and Independent Living Aids.