Missouri Assistive Technology

Missouri Alternative Communication Resource Directory

Computer Disks

Computer disks are an alternative format to hard copy printed materials and create access for people with disabilities related to vision or mobility. By saving text documents as ASCII text or as a word processing file on a disk, people with disabilities can access the information through special software and accessories, such as a screen reader, attached to their own computers. It is best when offering computer disks to your consumers to determine their preference for file type. If you are uncertain of file preference, an ASCII file with non-text information converted to text will be most useful.

Most agencies produce their own information on disk rather than accessing an external resource to provide such conversion. Information that did not originate within the agency may need to be electronically " scanned in " to avoid re-entering a large amount of text. This service may be purchased externally if the agency does not have the scanning equipment needed. Another option for securing information from outside the agency on disk is to ask the entity who developed the materials for a disk version. Many agencies, organizations and individuals are more than willing to provide a disk version of their materials if asked. When sponsoring an event, it is helpful to establish a policy whereby contributors are required to provide both print and disk materials as part of their participation in the event.

Tips for Producing Disk Format For Screen Reader Use:

• Convert all columns, tables, graphics, symbols, icons and pictures into text.
• Present tables vertically rather than horizontally, without tabs or indents.
• Justify left all text and indicate new paragraphs by tabbing once instead of adding blank lines.
• Convert all special characters to text. (For a Trademark symbol, use the letters TM in parenthesis and for a Registered Trademark symbol, use the letter R in parenthesis).
• Eliminate footnotes, headers, footers or page numbering on each page. (Footnotes can be moved to the end of the document.)
• Do not use page numbers for referencing in the text (instead using keywords or sections for referencing, i.e., in the paragraph below...; at the beginning of this paper...; in the third paragraph...;).