Abstract

The introduction of specialised computer software to support translation practice has shaped the translation industry landscape, transforming the use of Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) systems into a prime requirement for translators to successfully enter the marketplace. This technological turn has placed visually impaired translation students −and professionals− at a disadvantage with respect to their sighted peers, as a seamless interaction between translation software and assistive technologies (AT) is not always guaranteed. By drawing on data collected over the last five years from two main exploratory studies involving students and experienced translation practitioners with visual impairments, this paper aims at providing a snapshot of the current state of the art concerning the accessibility of CAT tools for blind users. Additionally, we attempt to offer some insight into the pedagogical implications of the latter for translation technology training in a university setting. In general terms, our findings reveal that the inaccessible design of the most popular CAT systems and the lack of appropriate support from their developers may limit the chances of blind students of fully developing their translation careers. Similarly, they urge for a change of mindset among both tool developers and translation technology lecturers.