Have you ever thought of a blind person using a computer? Perhaps, it seems impossible to you. It seems unreal; as you wonder how it can be done since the person cannot see. You may be very surprised to know that blind people actually do use computers for all sorts of reasons, whether it is for work or play. The invention of the computer and other technology that has made it possible for the blind to use computers has revolutionized life for the blind, as it has opened up their world and has given them empowerment that they never had before. While employers have denied them jobs on the pretense of them being a liability, the blind have created for themselves their own opportunities to make money. They know that behind the computer and the Internet, nobody knows that they are blind; hence they will be given the same opportunities to participate in business ventures, run a business and work with customers, and establish fruitful business relationships with others without the fear of discrimination. They also have all the information that they need at their fingertips, and they are able to make a difference, as they communicate with people through forums, instant messenger, and chat rooms. What’s more, they enjoy leisurely activities on the computer, such as games and social networking sites, just the same as their sighted peers. Let’s take a look at how this is possible.
When you look at a computer screen, you can see what is on it. Blind people, however, have two different ways to know what is being displayed. One method is using a screen reader. A screen reader is software that the blind person uses to read all of the text aloud that shows on the screen. While you are looking at it, the blind user is listening to the voice speak the words aloud, as the text is translated into speech output.
The second method is through the use of a Braille display. The Braille display is a tool that is plugged into the computer and outputs information for the blind to read. When words appear on the screen, the same words will pop up on the Braille display enabling the blind user to read what is being displayed. Little pins inside the display pop up as the text is formed on the screen turning the text into Braille.
Both methods allow the blind computer user to use the computer in any way they’d like. With such technology, the sky is the limit. Just as the computer has made a drastic difference in the life of the sighted, it has also done the same for the blind, if not more since the blind can make anything happen for themselves. With a computer, anything is possible, and any opportunity can be created. It is not unbelievable that a blind person is doing everything on the computer that you are. Perhaps, he could be doing much more.
