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 a text based descriptions of pictures to ensure accessibility by individuals with a range of disabilities.
Microsoft have a range of internet accessibility options which can be customised through the internet browser tools menu, under the internet options section (See Related Links on this page). 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 or aging with online tutorials to assist with making system changes.
(W3C 1999; Microsoft accessibility 2007)
Relevant links
References
W3C 1999, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0, W3C, Australian Office – Canberra, viewed 23 November 2007, <http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10/>.
Microsoft Accessibility 2007, Choose accessibility settings for Web pages, Microsoft Corporation, Australian Headquarters – North Ryde, viewed 23 November 2007, http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windowsvista/webaccessibility.aspx.