Character-recognition software
What is Optical Character Recognition?
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a process of scanning printed pages as images on a flatbed scanner and then using OCR software to recognise the information as text. The OCR software has tools for both acquiring the image from a scanner and recognising the text.
Individuals who have difficulty reading paper based information due to dyslexia, visual impairment or learning difficulties can benefit from having the paper scanned into the computer. Once scanned into the computer it is possible to use a range of computer tools to access the material with greater ease.
For example, scanned information may be displayed on screen in a way that suits the users’ needs. Additionally, it is possible to change the font colour and background in a number of combinations. This can be particularly useful for someone with a visual or visual perceptual difficulty, such as colour blindness.
Synthesised speech
Scanned information can also be read out by the computer using synthesised speech.This can benefit people who have visual difficulties or reading and writing difficulties as they are able to hear the text being spoken. Some computer programs allow the user to pause, rewind and fast forward the speech, giving them greater control over the information they are reading.
Using OCR effectively
OCR can be a great way of making information more accessible, although it does have its limitations. When scanning information, remember to ensure that the source document is clear and that the font size and style are not too small or unusual. (Font styles can always be changed after they have been scanned into the computer.) Standard fonts such as Arial, Verdana and Courier tend to work well. Finally, try to avoid scanning handwritten text as most OCR programs will be unable to recognise different handwriting styles.
Useful links
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Cicero effectively takes your computer and scanner and turns them into a reading machine for people with visual impairments. Printed text documents are placed on the scanner and can then be translated into speech, Braille or simply held as a text document which can be adjusted, saved, edited and printed out.
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OpenBook allows you to convert printed documents or graphic based text into an electronic text format using accurate optical character recognition and quality speech. OpenBook's many powerful low vision tools allow you to customize how the document appears on your screen, while other features provide portability. OpenBook provides you with the flexibility to use either of the two leading text to speech software synthesizers: RealSpeak and ViaVoice. RealSpeak features a natural, human-sounding voice that can help enhance your reading experience. ViaVoice provides practical and efficient speech for editing or skimming documents. OpenBook also supports most hardware speech synthesizers.
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Download a free demo version of OpenBook.
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Dyslexia.Com provides a range of information pertaining to dyslexia and dyslexia related difficulties and how OCR software can help support learners.
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The Royal National Institute for the Blind is the UK’s foremost charity that provides information and advice for people with a visual impairment. The link below will direct you to a number of OCR and scanning resources including, portable and standalone devices such as hand-held scanners and PC based systems. The ‘Electronic Reading Aids Factsheet’ can be downloaded from the link below in MS Word and plain text format. They cover a range of issues including advice on buying OCR software, scanners, cost and supplier information.
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Becta is the Government's key partner in the strategic development and delivery of its information and communications technology (ICT) and e-learning strategy for the schools and the learning and skills sectors. This link will direct you to a case study outlining how OCR software played a significant role in supporting the educational needs of young children who have a visual impairment. Edward’s story, for example, details how OCR played a significant part in his leanring after losing his sight as the result of a road accident.