Web-based screen reader for the blind

New software developed by the University of Washington, called WebAnywhere, lets blind and visually impaired people surf the Web from any Internet-enabled computer. The tool makes screen-reading an Internet service that reads aloud Web text on any computer with speakers or headphone connections.

The software is hosted on the Web, so it does not need to be installed on the local computer. It is ideal for situations where someone who's blind can't use their own computer, but still wants access to the Internet at libraries, public kiosks, or airports. The software processes text on an external server and then sends the audio file to play in the user's Web browser.

With WebAnywhere, any computer on the Internet with audio tools is capable of providing an accessible computer for the blind.