Alternative Web Browsing

There are several useful alternative tools that make it possible for people with disabilities to use the internet. There are several federal acts and guidelines that require the availability of information via internet sources to the general public, which includes people with disabilities. Examples of these include the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans With Disabilities Act, and the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Web Accessibility Initiative is an effort to better the accessibility and use of the internet for those who have disabilities as well as for people who have alternative devices to use, such as cell phone users. Because of these things, several helpful tools have been developed including alternative we browsers and user agents. By using voice recognition, Braille and audio output, and other methods, the entire general public can access information and maneuver around the world wide web effectively.

Certain browsers are designed specifically for the disabled. These include Braillesurf, with speech and Braille output as well as large text; Marco Polo with speech output, auditory icons, and simple keyboard commands; and MultiWeb with screen magnification, speech output, and scanning for switch to devices just to name a few. There are also browsers that are for general use but include adaptive technology that allow enhanced screen navigation options. A few examples are Lynx, Internet Explorer, and Opera. Certain useul devices are available to use with a computer such as a screen reader that reads all parts of the screen for totally blind users. The screen magnification software, voice recognition software, screen readers, and alternative browsers make it possible for people with disabilities to access and browse the internet effectively.

This information is a collaboration from Stephen Sullivan's blog presentation and an Alternative Web Accessibility website.