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Web Access for the Blind

Internet access for those with disabilities always presents a challenge, but none more so than that of blind internet users. Thanks to the advent of screen readers, written webpage text and some graphics, such as toolbar buttons, can be read aloud to blind internet users via a speech synthesizer on the computer’s sound card. The voice synthesizer is played through standard computer speakers, so no additional hardware is necessary for translation. A screen reader also allows the blind the ability to completely control the computer by using only the specially designed Braille keyboard, without the mouse.

To learn more about computer hardware, software, use and training available for the blind, check out the following resources:

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB): National clearinghouse of information for blind persons and those with low vision. A state-by-state listing of computer training facilities is included.

National Federation for the Blind: largest national membership organization for the blind with over 50,000 members. Helps the blind via advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.

Non Visual Access Web Certification: Information regarding why website owners and developers should take time to design disabled accessible sites.

National Braille Press: Non-profit Braille printer and publisher. Print books available which offer computer and screen reader training and information.

American Council of the Blind: This national organization is comprised of blind, visually impaired, and sighted individuals who work together to help create independence, security, equal opportunity and an overall improved quality of life for the blind and visually impaired. Offers lists of computer publications, products and training.

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped: a service of the Library of Congress, providing accessible materials for the blind.

Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic: provides many audio books about computers and computer training

Sensory Access Foundation: helps blind people find jobs through technology training, including internet access, which is key to some jobs.

To ensure more web owners, designers and developers are creating websites with people with disabilities in mind. Organizations such as The Trace Center, located at the University of Wisconsin, focus on the design of telecommunications and information technology products and systems that can be used by all people. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines offer clear instructions and suggestions about how to make websites accessible to all people. Once you think your website is accessible to all, test it out by visiting WAVE.

The main challenge in web access for the blind is that it can be difficult to translate what is a link versus a described image or simple standard page text when a website is being verbally translated via a screen reader. The blind user, unlike a sighted individual, does not have the benefit of seeing the site to distinguish what is what, which can complicate understanding. It is important that website and technology creators bear this in mind when designing. It is important that we strive toward a fully universally accessible internet so that all people can have the same opportunities.

Resource Article

Web Access for the Blind

Internet access for those with disabilities always presents a challenge, but none more so than that of blind internet users. Thanks to the advent of screen readers, written webpage text and some graphics, such as toolbar buttons, can be read aloud to blind internet users via a speech synthesizer on the computer’s sound card. The voice synthesizer is played through standard computer speakers, so no additional hardware is necessary for translation. A screen reader also allows the blind the ability to completely control the computer by using only the specially designed Braille keyboard, without the mouse.

To learn more about computer hardware, software, use and training available for the blind, check out the following resources:

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB): National clearinghouse of information for blind persons and those with low vision. A state-by-state listing of computer training facilities is included.

National Federation for the Blind: largest national membership organization for the blind with over 50,000 members. Helps the blind via advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence.

Non Visual Access Web Certification: Information regarding why website owners and developers should take time to design disabled accessible sites.

National Braille Press: Non-profit Braille printer and publisher. Print books available which offer computer and screen reader training and information.

American Council of the Blind: This national organization is comprised of blind, visually impaired, and sighted individuals who work together to help create independence, security, equal opportunity and an overall improved quality of life for the blind and visually impaired. Offers lists of computer publications, products and training.

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped: a service of the Library of Congress, providing accessible materials for the blind.

Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic: provides many audio books about computers and computer training

Sensory Access Foundation: helps blind people find jobs through technology training, including internet access, which is key to some jobs.

To ensure more web owners, designers and developers are creating websites with people with disabilities in mind. Organizations such as The Trace Center, located at the University of Wisconsin, focus on the design of telecommunications and information technology products and systems that can be used by all people. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines offer clear instructions and suggestions about how to make websites accessible to all people. Once you think your website is accessible to all, test it out by visiting WAVE.

The main challenge in web access for the blind is that it can be difficult to translate what is a link versus a described image or simple standard page text when a website is being verbally translated via a screen reader. The blind user, unlike a sighted individual, does not have the benefit of seeing the site to distinguish what is what, which can complicate understanding. It is important that website and technology creators bear this in mind when designing. It is important that we strive toward a fully universally accessible internet so that all people can have the same opportunities.