The accessibility features of Windows make it possible for people with a range of conditions to use their computer more easily. A new partnership between Microsoft and GW Micro will ensure that Microsoft Office can be used easily by as many people as possible, including those with vision problems.
The partnership means that anyone who has purchased a copy of either Office 2010 or Office 2013 is entitled to download a free copy of the screen reading software Window-Eyes. The aim is to make Office accessible to people who are blind or have low vision.
The software can be used in conjunction with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 as well as Windows Server 2003 and newer.
An announcement on the Windows-Eyes website explains how the deal works:
“GW Micro, in collaboration with Microsoft, is excited to provide people who are blind, visually impaired, or print disabled with a completely functional and free license of GW Micro’s Window-Eyes screen reader. Microsoft is offering customers who have a licensed version of Office 2010 or later the ability to download Window-Eyes, a screen reader for Windows PCs, free of charge.”
The software is completely free of charge except in the case of user who need the Arabic or Hebrew speech synthesizers.
So if you have a licensed copy of Office installed, go and grab yourself a copy of Windows-Eyes and share the news with anyone you feel might be able to benefit from it.
