New computer lab for the visually impaired in Cuba

A computer lab was recently opened for the blind and visually impaired at the provincial library of the central Cuban province of Sancti Spiritus.

The library extended its services in 1982 to include a special area for children, youth and adults with vision limitations. Now this area includes the modern Jaws software which enables users to consult an extensive digitalized bibliography, including the Encyclopedia Encarta 2005, reports the local newspaper Escambray.

By means of computer speakers the person is aware of every operation he/she is carrying out and the menus available. The implementation of this technology allows the visually impaired to use word processors, opening and saving texts, inserting images, etc.

Similar computer labs already exist in the provinces of Havana and Santiago de Cuba.