Supporting online learning using assistive software: an evaluation of ScreenRuler

Assistive software is designed to enable access to a computer interface for people with a range of disabilities. At Newcastle University we currently have a range of assistive software available across the campus computer network but much of this software, such as screen-reading and text magnification packages, is complex and requires significant training before it can be used proficiently. ScreenRuler, produced by Claro Software, is designed to be easy to use and with limited but specific function: an alternative to “feature-rich” software packages that are too complex for the intended user group (Blenkhorn 2005). ScreenRuler provides a x2 magnified movable ruler of changeable width across the screen to assist with on-screen reading. Text is only magnified in the vertical plane, increasing vertical mouse movement to traverse the screen, but not introducing additional horizontal movement (see Figure 1).