Many people are still amazed at how a visually impaired person or someone with a visual impairment can access computers and smartphones. The technology that makes all of this possible is called screen reading software. Screen reader applications for the visually impaired have evolved over time with advancements in computer and digital technology. But do you know how this crucial application for the visually impaired was first created?
- The Beginning (1970s - 1980s)
In the 1970s, computer technology began to develop, but accessibility for people with disabilities was still very limited. Screen readers first emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
- 1976: Telesensory Systems, Inc. (TSI) developed the Optacon, a device that allowed visually impaired individuals to read printed text by converting letters into vibrating patterns that could be felt with a finger.
- 1986: Jim Thatcher, an IBM engineer, developed Screen Reader/2 (SR2) for IBM's OS/2 operating system, which became one of the early screen readers for personal computers.
- Further Developments (1990s)
In the 1990s, screen readers began to be more widely developed and used with the increasing adoption of personal computers.
- 1995: Freedom Scientific launched JAWS (Job Access With Speech), which later became one of the most popular screen readers globally.
- 1999: Dolphin Computer Access released Supernova, which not only functioned as a screen reader but also included screen magnification features.
- The Modern Era (2000s - Present)
With the development of the internet and mobile devices, screen readers became more sophisticated and available across various platforms.
- 2001: Apple introduced VoiceOver, a screen reader integrated into the Mac OS X operating system.
- 2009: Apple extended VoiceOver to iOS, making the iPhone one of the first mobile devices with a built-in screen reader.
- 2009: Google launched TalkBack, a screen reader for Android devices.
- 2010: Microsoft introduced Narrator, a built-in screen reader for Windows, which has been continuously updated and improved in subsequent Windows versions.
Current Trends and Innovations Modern screen readers are now not only capable of reading text on the screen but also provide support for various applications and web services. Recent innovations include:
- Integration with AI technology for improved text and object recognition.
- Better multilingual support.
- Enhanced accessibility within mainstream applications and software, including social media, banking, and productivity apps.
The development of screen reader applications has significantly improved the quality of life for the visually impaired by providing better access to information and technology, as well as supporting their independence and participation in the digital society. Especially with the latest advancements in AI, even more possibilities are opening up for the visually impaired, which will be discussed in another article. References
- Jim Thatcher - "Screen Reader/2": One of the early developments for screen readers on the IBM OS/2 operating system.
- Thatcher, J. "Screen Reader/2: Access to OS/2 and DOS Applications," IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, 1986.
- Freedom Scientific - "JAWS for Windows": One of the most popular screen readers, first launched in 1995.
- Freedom Scientific. "History of JAWS for Windows," Freedom Scientific website, https://www.freedomscientific.com/.
- Dolphin Computer Access - "Supernova": A screen reader and screen magnifier released in 1999.
- Dolphin Computer Access. "Our History," Dolphin website, https://yourdolphin.com/.
- Apple VoiceOver: A screen reader first introduced for Mac OS X in 2001 and for iOS in 2009.
- Apple Inc. "Accessibility - VoiceOver," Apple website, https://www.apple.com/accessibility/voiceover/.
- Google TalkBack: A screen reader for Android devices launched in 2009.
- Google Accessibility. "TalkBack," Google website, https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/6283677?hl=en.
- Microsoft Narrator: A built-in screen reader for Windows, first introduced in Windows 2000.
- Microsoft. "Use Narrator to read and write email, browse the internet, and work with documents," Microsoft website, https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-narrator-to-read-and-write-email-browse-the-internet-and-work-with-documents-d50dba5d-e380-7cd9-d6a4-4c4e3a45c367.
- National Federation of the Blind: Information on various accessibility technologies and screen readers for the visually impaired.
- National Federation of the Blind. "Technology," NFB website, https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/technology.