Devices for the Blind
There are 3 devices available in the library on the 2nd floor for the visually impaired and blind people to read and listen printed and audio materials. In addition, there is a possibility to use a tactile graphics and braille embossing printer. It is possible to use a computer with the help of JAWS.
JAWS Screen Reading Software
On the 2nd floor of the library it is possible to use a computer with the help of JAWS. The computer connected with braille output device is provided with JAWS for Windows 15.0 that works with Eloquence speech synthesizer.
A screen reader is a program that analyses what is displayed on the screen and re-presents the information usually via either the speech synthesizer or the Braille output device.
JAWS presents what is on the screen with the help of the speech synthesizer, thus enabling/allowing a blind person work with a computer.
With the assistance of JAWS, a visually impaired person can surf the net, send e-mails, communicate via messaging clients with friends and acquaintances, compose documents and spreadsheets and much more.
A video magnifier MagniLink Vision (MLV)
magnifies an image of the printed material on the screen. In order to enhance readability the color of text as well as background can be adjusted. This device consists of a screen and a reading table which can be moved left and right.
Manual MagniLink Vision (eng PDF. 450 KB)
A video magnifier Mezzo V3.0 „to go“
Mezzo is an electronic video magnifier with a continuous magnification from (already) x2.2 to x90. Columns can be comfortably read just by turning the monitor 90 degrees. The picture will be automatically adapted to the new monitor direction.
The device is small enough to easily move it from one place to the other and can be collapsed for transporting to another location. Mobility package includes a carrier case (weight 5,3 kg).
In order to enhance readability the color of text as well as background can be adjusted.
The device can be borrowed on the basis of a valid library card.
Device can be collapsed and monitor is adjustable.
A text-to-speech reading device KOBA EasyReader Daisy
The EasyReader is a compact machine that scans printed material and then reads it out loud. The document can be placed in any direction on the machine; it will be automatically rotated in order to recognize the print. The speed of the 'reading out loud' can be adjusted. A pair of headphones are available next to the device.
Manual EasyReader Daisy (eng PDF. 764 KB)
Tactile Graphics and Braille Embossing Printer ViewPlus Emprint
The printer adds color ink print to a tactile output. It is possible to print on many different types of media, from lightweight copy paper to heavy cardstock, up to 9 inches wide.
ViewPlus printer embossers print at a 20 dots-per-inch graphic resolution and automatically convert colors and gray scale into variable dot heights. ViewPlus embossers use the standard Windows printer driver to mix text and graphics in mainstream Windows software like Word and Excel. Use the Tiger Software Suite (TSS) to take braille translation and tactile graphics to a new level.