Jaws for dos is free now, in common domain.  Q- modem as a connection system, and Bluewave as a E-mail readers or Nettammer .  There was also something called Tiny talk, which was something of a screen reader. 
 
Linux doesn't seem to be an answer; I've tried to find cheap stuff for the blind, So now I think  that the old stuff that the blind first used is the way to go, meaning DOS;  for cheap old machines, and programs that are in common domain, meaning the owners quit caring about selling, OR AND giving any technical help.
 
You've got to find  people old enough to know their first systems, yet young enough to  remember,    The people on this list are mostly professionals, using the latest stuff for business.   

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Gravitt" <[log in to unmask]>
> From: Vijai Kumar <[log in to unmask]>
> >                                         I am an undergrad student of
> > Electronics in a college in bangalore,India.I serve part-time as a
> volunteer
> > in a Home for the Blind called Samarthanam.The students are amongst the
> > rural poor and think of infotech as a means for their empowerment.
> >     we are looking around for a screen reading software for the Blind on
> > Windows.But the prices of stuff like jaws ($795) is too high for us who
> run
> > entirely on charity and cater to the rural poor.Can you help us out in
> this
> > matter?
> >     thank you very much,
> > Vijai Kumar,BMS College,Bangalore-97
> > E-mail: [log in to unmask]  &   [log in to unmask]


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