Text based web browsers allow you to display text only, rather than graphics and sound effects and require the use of the keyboard to enter commands, rather than a keyboard and mouse. Text based browsers make the internet more accessible to people using very low bandwidths or people using assistive technology products that cannot ‘read’ graphics or hear sound effects.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Web accessibility guidelines also recommend website developers offer information on their graphic based websites in alternative formats such as text based descriptions of pictures to ensure accessibility by people with a range of disabilities.
Individual internet browsers generally have a range of internet accessibility options which can be customised through the internet browser tools menu, under the internet options section. A range of changes can be made including fonts, colours and sounds. Specific accessibility changes are recommended for impairments including; vision, hearing, dexterity, learning, language and communication with online tutorials to assist with making system changes.
Further information is also available relating to internet access:
References
Microsoft Accessibility 2011, Accessibility tutorials, Microsoft Corporation, North Ryde, viewed 7 July 2011, http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windowsvista/webaccessibility.aspx.
Microsoft Accessibility 2010, Internet explorer accessibility options, Microsoft Corporation, North Ryde, viewed 7 July 2011, http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows7/Internet-Explorer-accessibility-options.
W3C 1999, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0, W3C, Canberra, viewed 7 July 2011, http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10/.