In your lab, do you have an array of screen reading programs that a person can come in and explore and try out, or do you sort of assess a person and start them on a certain program?

It is a good idea, if possible, to have many options for a person to explore, though too many at first will probably just confuse people. Our model emphasizes how a person learns rather than any particular product. We refer you back to our discussion on key elements for a screen reader.

For the students to be able to have this at home, what kind of requirements are there in terms of computer technology?

They need to have a computer with audio capabilities. Older PC computers work fine. Most screen reader applications are designed to work with a PC, but a few applications have recently entered the market for use on Macs. We have not tested the applications on Macs, yet. The PC versions may work correctly on newer Macs that run Windows operating systems, but again we have not checked this out yet. Not all Windows functions work on the Mac version.

Operating system: Windows 98 through Windows 7.
Memory: As much as possible, but as little as 500 MB will work.
Older PC's work fine with these minimum requirements met.

We have a lab setting that has 28 computers. If we had this software on our computers, would it be possible to have the instructors scan the material and download it to each computer, or does it have to be done on an individual basis?

Technically, this can be done. The question is really can it be done legally with copyright laws? This will depend on the course, the students enrolled in the course, and the types of materials being scanned and distributed. We refer you to the copyright section of the FAQ.