Disability Grant Software

In April and May, at adult and youth services meetings, staff will receive orientation on the two major softwares installed on our disability computer workstations, as well as OrbiTouch orientation. ZoomText is software used to magnify computer screens as well as offer screen reading (the software reads the screen aloud to the user as well as maagnifying it). Jaws for Windows is somewhat different in purpose. It is also intended for the visually impaired, but rather than simply reading a screen aloud, it allows the visually impaired user to create documents using such applications as Word, Excel, etc.

OrbiTouch is different altogether. It is intended to be used by customers who cannot use even a large keyboard. By sliding the device (with a wrist, for example), customers may produce documents. The big track ball which also came with the workstation is exactly what it looks like--a funny shaped mouse and serves the same function for users who cannot manipulate a small mouse.

Yours truly (heaven help me!) will orient (notice I didn't say "train") staff in ZoomText and the OrbiTouch. Jaws for Windows is somewhat beyond my skill level to teach or even introduce. Teri Childers and I are working with the Cincinnati Association for the Blind to bring a teacher in to help us.