Screen Magnification Software

A screen magnifier is a software program that magnifies all or part of a computer screen to make the content visible to users with visual impairments. Screen magnification software enlarges any items on the computer screen such as text, icons, and graphics. The user is able to increase or decrease the magnification as required but this only affects the appearance of the text on screen and does not permanently apply to the formatting of the document. For instance, if the user chooses to print, the document will print in its original font size (not the enlarged size as seen on the screen using the screen magnification software).

Some screen magnification programs now provide supportive speech output as well. With this feature, the contents of Word documents, emails, menu items and icons are spoken using the computers sound card or a special piece of hardware called a speech synthesiser. The voice output feature is more basic than with specific voice output software and does not have all of the features that would be included in voice output software for an individual who is blind ie screen readers . Many of the software packages can be tried out by obtaining a demonstration copy from the supplier. It is important to check with the supplier before any software is purchased that it will be compatible with the computer software already being used.

Zoomtext

Zoomtext is a software programme which allows the user to increase the size of the text in a document, without increasing the size of the text printed out. This 'screen magnification' software is aimed at users with impaired vision, and utilises whatever vision the user has to its maximum. The user may choose to magnify the entire screen, or may limit magnification to part of the screen. Zoomtext also comes with a document reader, whereby a synthetic voice speaks aloud the content of a text document. Different users choose different magnification strengths, while some may opt to use the document reader function, and others will not.

Supernova

Supernova is a combined screen magnifier and screen reader. It contains magnification, speech output and Braille display in one package. Supernova has magnification rates ranging from 2 to 32 times, and like Zoomtext, the user can choose from a range of magnification settings including full screen, split screen and automatically resizing lenses. Supernova also has a document reader.

Operating System Magnifiers

Free versions of screen magnifiers with limited functionality can be found with both the Windows and Apple operating systems as part of their accessibility features.

Note
For expert information and advice on visual support hardware and software, contact the National Council for the Blind in Ireland.