I've found a great little program off the internet that's FREE to read
text from the computer screen.  As far as I understand it is is free and not
just a trial copy that is free.  The program is called ReadPlease 2000 and
is available as a free download from
http://4assistivetechnology.4anything.com/
<http://4assistivetechnology.4anything.com/>   listed in the Computers and
Gadgets section under Virtual Assistive Technology Center then chose
Freeware/shareware, then chose Windows. ReadPlease is towards the bottom of
the screen listed under Visual Impairments.

The direct link to Read Please is: connect.247media.ads.link4ads.com/
I tested it out and it works pretty well. The only catch is that you have to
cut and paste the text into the ReadPlease screen, but this can be done by
hot keys instead of the mouse if vision is minimal.  Control A selects all
the text on the screen, If you then click on the Read Please icon and type
Control "v"  it will paste it into the clipboard. Then you have to click on
the play button, or else in options you can choose paste and play which
automatically pastes and plays the message.  Don't know if it can be
programmed to do that with hot keys.  I'm still exploring the program.
There is a choice of speaking voice and they are pleasant and
understandable.

This program can be useful for visually impaired students as well as
students with learning disabilities.
   Hope your students find this useful.

                                Karen McCandlish
                                Leroy V Good Library
                                Monroe Community College


"Hatred is never ended by hatred but by love, and a misunderstand is never
ended by argument  but tact, diplomacy, conciliation and a sympathetic
desire to see the other person's viewpoint"
-Buddha