Web Browsers for the Vision Impaired
While the majority of the work your browser does occurs behind the scenes, a vision impairment that makes it difficult to impossible to open and use a browser can significantly limit your Internet access. Web browsers for the vision impaired -- whether in the form of a specially designed browser or a mainstream browser with reconfigured settings -- can put the power of the Internet back in your hands and restore your independence.
Other People Are Reading
-
Options
-
The level of your vision impairment may dictate how you access and use the Web. Once you connect, a device called a screen reader can “tell” you what is on a Web page, making “getting there” your only real challenge. Mainstream browsers such as Internet Explorer and Firefox have built-in support options for mild to moderate vision impairment. If your vision impairment is severe or complete, third-party software present another option.
Mainstream Browser Modifications
-
Internet Explorer 9 and Firefox 8.0.1 -- the most current versions of these browsers as of the date of publication -- allow you to change font type, size and color, as well as increase the size of an entire Web page to make it easier to read. Open the "Tools" tab on Internet Explorer and select "Internet Options," the last choice in the Internet Tools popup window. Appearance options are available on the General page. In Firefox, select "Options" and make adjustments from the Content page of the Options window. If your vision impairment makes using a mouse difficult, both browsers also provide an option that allows you to navigate using a keyboard instead of a mouse.
-
Third-Party Add-ons
-
Browser enhancements or extensions provide additional options if your vision impairment is more severe. The Web Accessibility Toolbar for Internet Explorer and Fire Vox for Firefox are two examples. The Web Accessibility Toolbar incorporates 15 individual options that together function to identify Web page components, give you a number of ways in which you can configure and view a website, and make using a third-party application such as a screen reader easier. Fire Vox is a “talking” Web browser extension that works much like a screen reader. Although you can only use Fire Vox in conjunction with the Firefox browser, it works with any computer operating system.
Specialty Browser
-
A final option is to replace a mainstream browser with one specially designed to accommodate vision impairments. An example is the free and open-source “talking” browser called WebbIE. WebbIE runs using a portion of Internet Explorer called the Microsoft WebBrowser Object, so while you do not interact with Internet Explorer's user interface, you must install Internet Explorer in order to operate WebbIE. This browser works alongside screen reader software, converting HTML into plain text so that screen reader software can process and present it.
-
