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The NIH Library is now offering Job Access with Speech (JAWS) and ZoomText assistive software. As part of a six-month pilot program, these applications are now available to all NIH staff and visitors who visit the NIH Library. Both applications are available in Collaboration Pod 2 in the Library’s Technology Hub, and can be used with headphones available at the Information Desk.

JAWS is a screen reader developed for computer users whose vision prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. JAWS provides high quality text-to-speech output for computer files and applications, including e-mail, documents and webpages. JAWS can also be used to evaluate websites for accessibility, including Section 508 compliance.

ZoomText is a magnification and screen reading software for the visually impaired. ZoomText’s magnifier enlarges and enhances everything on a computer screen, making applications easy to see and use. Additionally, ZoomText’s screen reader will read anything on your computer screen — e-mail, documents and webpages are read aloud to you, letting you relax your eyes even more.

To make a reservation to use JAWS or ZoomText in the NIH Library, or for questions about these technologies, contact Michael Walden at michael.walden@nih.gov or (301) 435-4033.

The NIH Library, located in Building 10, supports the information and research needs of the NIH community through a range of innovative services and resources. The NIH Library is part of the Office of Research Services. Full-text online journals, the library catalog, other resources and services, and information about the Library are available on the Library’s website: https://nihlibrary.nih.gov/.

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