Blind participants may also resort to the use of what
is called text-to-speech software. With this software
there is a synthesized voice that reads aloud the text
content on the screen. While this can be applauded as
relevant technological advancement, the big question is, To what extend has such software been accessible
to learners with visual impairment in open and
distance learning? It may be surprising that even the
visually impaired learners themselves may not even
be aware of such software. In addition there may be
real challenges involving use of this software since
some individuals with visual impairments may have
other impairments such as hearing impairment. The
question of the other difficulties also interfering in
the use of this technology cannot be ruled out.
http//www.microsoft.com/enable/guide/vision.aspx.
O.D.L institutions of higher learning can shop for
assistance technology products that are compatible
with Microsoft Windows from independent assistive
technology organizations or companies. These
include the following but are not exhaustive.