This is a list of free and open source Assistive Technologies for the blind and visually impaired. Free and open source Assistive Technologies are important because they provide critical accessibility solutions to those who lack access to expensive commercial solutions such as people in the developing world or those who lack access to a funding source for Assistive Technologies.
Microsoft Windows
This is a list of included, free and open source Assistive Technologies available on the Windows platform.
- NVDA - NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a free “screen reader” which enables blind and vision impaired people to use computers.
- Narrator on Microsoft Windows 10 - Narrator in Microsoft Windows 10 is a screen reader that reads Most apps on the latest versions of Windows 10.
- Windows Magnifier on Windows 10 -allows users with low vision to enlarge text and images, adjust screen contrast as well as other options to provide access to Windows and Windows apps.
- BrailleBlaster - BrailleBlaster is a braille transcription program developed by the American Printing House for the Blind to help transcribers provide blind students with braille textbooks on the first day of class.
- AMIS - AMIS is free open source DAISY playback software developed by the DAISY Consortium.
- OBI - Obi is a free software application - audio production tool which allows the creation of DAISY content.
- Save as DAISY add-in for Microsoft Word - The Save as DAISY add-in translates Microsoft Word 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016 documents into DAISY.
Linux Distributions
This is a list of Linux distributions that include Assistive Technologies for people who are blind or visually impaired. There are numerous Linux distributions that contain various versions of Assistive Technologies but these are the major distributions.
- Vinux Project - Vinux is a Ubuntu derived distribution optimised for the needs of blind and partially sighted users.
- Ubuntu - Ubuntu is an open source software operating system that runs from the desktop, to the cloud, to all your internet connected things.
- Debian - Debian is a free operating system (OS) for your computer, server and embedded devices.
- ChromeVox - ChromeVox is a built-in screen reader for ChromeOS devices
- Android Accessibility - Android accessibility is a set of Assistive Technologies built-in to some versions of Android to enable people who are blind or visually impaired to access and use Android devices.
Apple Platforms
The most common Assistive Technologies for the blind and visually impaired on Apple's platform are integrated and developed by Apple. Apple has Assistive Technologies in all Apple products to provide accessibility for people who are blind to read the screen and people who have low vision to enlarge and adjust screen content to make it easier to read. Learn more about Apple's accessibility solutions on the Apple Accessibility page.
