Alternative Web Browsing Tools

It is important for everyone to have access to the World Wide Web, just as we do. Unless you have someone in your family with a disability, it is probably not something you actively think about. However, the adaptive hardware and software could certainly help the blind and possibly the deaf when they are browsing the internet. I have always felt that the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was vitally important to Americans with disabilities. This act ensures they will be not be forgotten as we move through this technological age.

The Americans’ With Disabilities Act of 1990 stops people from discriminating against those with disabilities. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires suppliers of telecommunications products make their products easily available. Some of the tools used for alternative web browsing include; Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 (WCAG), gives access primarily to disabled users. XML Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 (XAG), explains how to include features in XML applications that promote accessibility. There is also Screen Magnification Software available for those who do not see well or have a learning disability. It can enlarge parts or the entire computer screen, and read text content aloud. Screen Reader Software is for the totally blind. JAWS and Window Eyes can read all parts of the screen by using speech commands. Via Voice and Dragon Naturally Speaking are voice recognition software that where a user enters commands by speaking into a microphone. Typical users of this application are people who are quadriplegic, have cerebral palsy and other injuries to the hand.

Portable Data Assistants (PDA’s) are alternative web browsers. They include a keyboard (Refreshable Braille Display) which uses Braille for the blind. I think this is absolutely awesome. I had no idea this even existed until I took this course. The article regarding WC3 Web Accessibility Initiative was very informative. It uses different approaches for people with hearing, vision, physical or cognitive impairments. (Such as the Braille keyboard!) This article assists web designers and users too. Section 1 has a list of browsers that specifically pertains to people with disabilities. What a great concept! Just opening our laptop and typing away is second nature to us. We don’t even stop to think that it may not be that easy for others.