assistive tool2

 

Screen Reader: Eyes That Speak

TalkBack is a built in screen reader for android devices that helps people who are blind or have low vision interact with their phones and tablets. i first knew about this tool when i saw my brother use this tool frequently while reading pdf. Then i started using it to read lengthy notes and pdf just to reduce eye explosure to phones. During our studies on inclusive education, I understood what TalkBack is and how important it is. This realization made me appreciate how meaningful such tools can be, not just for people with disabilities, but even for students like me who are always on the move. Nowadays, I use the screen reader feature intentionally. For example, when I have a test and I want to revise the notes while walking to class, I turn on a text-to-speech feature, plug in my earphones, and let it read the notes aloud to me. This has helped me save a lot of time, especially during busy mornings when I don’t get enough time to sit and revise. I find it very effective because I can listen and recall information even while walking. In terms of inclusiveness, screen readers are life changing tools for visually impaired learners. According to Okolo and Bouck (2007), screen readers not only improve academic performance for visually impaired students but also promote digital literacy and independence. They allow students to access reading materials, emails, websites, and even social media without needing to see the screen. According to research by Alnahdi (2014), screen readers significantly support students’ independence, learning efficiency, and digital engagement. What makes screen readers highly appropriate is their flexibility. They can be used on phones, tablets, and computers, and users can customize the reading speed, pitch, and language. For people with reading difficulties or those who learn better through audio, screen readers can also be an effective tool, even if they are not visually impaired.