Assistive technology helps people who are blind and visually impaired, but it can still be hard to find and compare products in order to come up with the best option. Here’s our list of the best free, open source browsers and text-to-speech converters for people with disabilities.

You’ll find a variety of disability software, all of it free, which allows users to hear text on their computer. Some of it was created specifically to work with Firefox, another requires Windows, but all of it designed to make your life easier.

1.    WebbIE
With a proven track record since 2001 and world-wide use, WebbIE comes with a suite of accessible programs. You can hear news and audio on the internet, enabling you to listen to podcasts, access RSS and more with your screen reader.

2.    EdWeb
It may take a little extra effort to get EdWeb set up just how you like, but you’ll be glad you took the time! There’s a comprehensive manual to help you download full symbol support and text-to-speech (tts)/talking buttons.

Choose to access it with a mouse, touch screen, mouse emulator, Grid Editor (another free download), or switch scanning. This disability software operates on Windows 98-XP and later. Combine it with the free EdWord symbol/talking word processor and link your symbol set or create grids.

3.    Fire Vox
Featuring a mouse-driven interface, this extension for the Firefox web browser is like a screen reader with more than the usual basic features. Sure, Fire Vox identifies headings, links, and images for navigational assistance, but it also supports MathML and the CSS speech module. Better yet, it works on Windows, Macintosh and Linux.

Fire Vox is one component of the Core Library Components for Text-To-Speech. The suite is comprised of three extensions, including Fire Vox, a core library for test-to-speech synthesis, and a utilities library for navigating the HTML DOM.

4.    CliCk, Speak
Unlike its cousin Fire Vox, above, which was designed with blind and visually impaired users in mind, CLiCk, Speak caters to sighted users who want text-to-speech capability. It neither identifies elements nor informs you of events, two functions essential to visually impaired users but merely irritating to sighted users.

If you are sighted but have cognitive disabilities (dyslexia, MS, etc.) that are mitigated by listening to, rather than reading, web content, then CLiCk, Speak is the extension for you. The system features an easy, mouse-driven interface that is a snap for users accustomed to point-and-click graphic interfaces. Like Fire Vox, it also works on Windows, Macintosh and Linux. Additionally, CLiCk, Speak’s multilingual support makes it ideal for practicing a foreign language.

5.    Orca
The Orca browser is fast, friendly and ready to help: more like a greyhound than a killer whale! The browser itself features security, low memory consumption, a spell-checker, built-in download manager and more, but it also trumpets an AD blocker, flash blocker, online profile storage, automated form filler, and an RSS reader.

With a username and password, the above features let users access information such as personal bookmarks, autofills and RSS feed remotely from any computer.

6.    Simply Web 2000
If you prefer using Internet Explorer and want a speech-friendly, speech-enabled accessible browser with easy navigation for visually impaired users, then check out Simply Web 2000. The software-based speech synthesizer included in the package can be used as a talking web browser in standalone mode.

7.    SpeakOn
A single keystroke will get you downloads of media on demand for audio and text alike, whether you’re working in Media Centre, Radio Time or VI Services applications. Plus, it implements with Seeing Ear library books and eText, as well as TNAUK publications, which can be converted automatically to HTML format to use with your cell or an external player.

8.    Thunder
This award-winning screen reader hails from across the pond, and the Brits have done a nice job. With features suited for people who are blind and visually impaired, Thunder can become your radio, library and mailbox. One fan even claims her talking computer is now her best friend! And what’s really cool if you secretly have monarch envy? HRH the Duke of York is a patron.