How would a visualy impaired person learn to program modern computers?

I have a friend who was very good at programming in basic.


How would he learn how to program computers now at days?


He developed some really neat text games useing the basic program language.


Basic doesn't excist .How could he do it now?


He uses a screen reader.(Jaws)

How would a visualy impaired person learn to program modern computers?
In the UK London area!...there are centres that set up "easy access" computers especially for special needs clients...Im sure they exist outside the UK?... I know a couple of "sight impared"...guys that have passed exams!...and have got good jobs from easy access computers...Ive just checked out my Acer Aspire?...and its got "easy access" built into it...Go for it?...
Reply:my best friend is visually impaired. she is also an author and spoken word poet. She has a program called zoomtext (or something like that) on her computer that makes the words larger.
Reply:Braille keyboards and computer manuals...?





I'm not sure if they make them, but it's always worth looking into....
Reply:Look, there is no reason why he should have a problem learning to use and or program for any operating system. Linux and Unix have a screen reader called Gnopernicus. I'm sure the Mac has its own. With Jaws he should be all set for Windows.





To program all he needs are a text editor and a compiler. All the compilers I know of have the ability to compile from the command line and deliver error messages to the console. This includes Visual C++ and Borland's packages. IDE and other eye candy are just that -- eye candy. If he wants to get back into programming and the serious study of computers -- I do recommend engineering and software engineering courses. That would help him kick it up to the next level. If he can read the screen even with help he can program.
Reply:I'm not sure what you mean by "Basic doesnt exist". Basic is still around!! There are plenty of Basic compilers to be had. For example http://www.freebasic.net/


and there are many others.