Windows 8 has proved to be an either love it or hate it experience for users. Just do an internet search with “Windows 8 love or hate” and you will get the full picture of this ongoing debate. What we are focused on is whether Windows 8 provides accessibility features that are user-friendly and work for those that need it. The following links provide information on the built in features, tutorials provided by Microsoft, and also a user’s perspective on the accessibility features for those with vision loss. If you have experiences, good or bad, that you would like to share with the community be sure to comment below.
Overview of features available provided by the Friendship Circle blog:
Accessibility features in Windows 8 for individuals with special needs
Microsoft tutorials :
Windows 8 accessibility tutorials
Mardon Erbland provides a user review at beta news:
How good are Windows 8 accessibility features for the blind
I really appreciate this collection of links. I have to say that I’m very pleased with the new set of Sapi 5 voices which are installed with Windows 8, some of which can be installed on older versions of Windows. Since the NVDA screen reader is free, this means that blind or visually impaired users who use windows 8/8.1 will have very good access with very nice speech at no additional charge. I’m an assistive technology instructor and I’m looking forward to working with students who will be migrating to this new OS.
The new Sapi voices are something I was unaware of. Thanks for the comment David.