Screen magnifiers work like a magnifying glass. There are two types of screen magnifiers: external screen magnifiers and screen magnifying software. Both increase the size of the font being viewed.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
People with vision impairment may find a screen magnifier useful when using the computer as it allows fonts and images to be magnified to suit their needs.
An external screen magnifier can either hang or clamp to the outside of the computer monitor or be placed on a stand in front of the screen. The image on the computer may be viewed at 2 to 4 times magnification.
Screen magnification software increases the size of the image displayed on the screen so that only a portion of the original screen image can be seen at one time. A magnified window allows the user to view the font or image in a larger size. Moving the magnified window in order to view other parts of the original screen image is done using the mouse or keyboard. Screen magnification software is also available on a USB stick which allows the individual to use multiple computers whilst keeping their personal settings and using just once licence.
Some common features of screen magnification software include:
- continuously magnifying an area of the screen
- smoothing jagged edges of characters at larger magnifications
- altering the colours on the screen to suit viewer preferences
- changing the size and colour of the mouse pointer
- changing the shape of the characters on the screen.
Most screen magnification software can work in conjunction with screen readers. A few on the market even have a basic or fully functional screen reader built-in to them. Consideration may need to be given to the size of the computer monitor used with a screen reader to obtain maximum advantage.
Demonstration versions of screen magnifiers or information concerning other magnification options can be downloaded from the Internet. Some of this magnification software can also be downloaded from the internet onto a hard drive or USB stick. Using the software directly from the USB stick allows the individual to use the software on more than one computer. This is particularly useful if the individual is required to use multiple computers as part of their job role. It should be noted though that the quality of the magnification offered by this free software is limited, but allows the individual to sample screen magnification software and make informed decisions about what functions they would require should they wish to purchase software.
There are several screen enhancement features built into standard Windows software. These features include preset "high contrast" colour schemes, larger standard fonts, and improvements to the visibility of the mouse pointer. Windows XP also has an in built magnifier.
Apple operating systems also have built in screen magnification options. They allow the text to be magnified up to 40 times it’s original size, with viewing options regarding how the screen image moves as the user types or operates the mouse. The cursor can also be magnified so that it’s easier to locate or follow when moving the mouse.
Although some of these features may be helpful, they do not offer the same level of access as a purpose built screen magnification program.
References
Ai Squared 2010, Zoomtext Magnifier/Reader USB Drive, Spectronics Australia, Rochedale, viewed 20 July 2010, http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/zoomtext-magnifierreader-usb-drive.
Apple 2010, Accessibility: Vision, Apple, Sydney, viewed 20 July 2010, http://www.apple.com/au/accessibility/macosx/vision.html.
Job Accommodation Network 2010, External computer screen magnification, Office of Disability Employment Policy U.S. Department of Labor, West Virginia, viewed 20 July 2010, http://askjan.org/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Vis82.
Microsoft Accessibility 2010, Guide for Individuals with Vision Impairments, Microsoft Corporation, Australian Headquarters – North Ryde, viewed 20 July 2010, http://www.microsoft.com/enable/guides/vision.aspx.
RSC 2008, AccessApps, TeachApps, LearnApps, Regional Support Centre Scotland North and East, Edinburgh, viewed 20 July 2010, http://www.rsc-ne-scotland.ac.uk/eduapps/accessapps.php.