Link of the week

As some of you know, I work for a service that provides alternate format library materials to BC college students who have print impairments. Some students, especially those with learning disabilities, like to have the text on their computer screen read aloud while they follow along with the book. The problem is the screen reader software most students use, JAWS for Windows, is expensive and not everyone can afford it. If this is the case we usually recommend two free screen readers that students can download. One of these products is ReadPlease.

ReadPlease is an easy to use product that will read what is showing on your screen. It's not perfect but it's much better than the reader that comes with Windows. It uses a synthesized voice which can be difficult to understand but again, greatly increases the ease of learning for students. It's products like this one that only make my job easier.