Methods for improving computer access for the visually impaired

This paper discusses some current problems that are frequently encountered when visually impaired people access computer facilities using 'conventional' techniques such as braille displays, speech synthesis equipment and screen enlargement techniques. It also describes some new approaches to interaction that we are developing in order to facilitate easier and more natural methods of communication between blind people and computer systems. The methods that are described in this paper are based upon the use of audio, tactile and gestural methods of human-computer interaction.