SCIE website - accessibility resources
There are many tools available to help people use the internet.
BrowseAloud
SCIE's website is speech-enabled using a tool called Browsealoud.This is intended to help people who find reading large amounts of text on screen difficult.
Click here to find out more about BrowseAloud.
Screen readers
Screen readers turn text into speech and enable blind and visually impaired people who cannot see the screen to fully access their computer. This website is fully accessible to screen readers and is also access key enabled.
A range of screen readers are available and further information can be found in the RNIB’s guide to using a computer without vision. Screen readers can be very expensive, but Thunder is a relatively new screen reader which is available free for personal use. For those using an Apple Mac, VoiceOver is a screen reader built into the operating system.
Screen magnifiers
Screen magnifiers enlarge the
screen, so visually impaired people can read the
text. A wide range of screen magnifiers are available.
For further information please see the RNIB’s
guide to screen magnification software.
Hardware tools
Hardware tools help users who have trouble using the computer mouse. Users who have trouble using the mouse can take advantage of this site's access keys, but should also investigate if mouse replacements devices like a trackball would help. Please see the AbilityNet guide to Alternative mice.
Voice recognition software
Voice recognition software helps a wide range of users from those who suffer from RSI and dyslexia to those who suffer from dyspraxia and have problems using the keyboard. By speaking commands, the computer can respond by performing an action, be that writing a letter, or opening an application or website. For further information please see the AbilityNet guide to voice recognition.
Other useful resources
For general help with using the web, visit the BBC's Webwise website.
For detailed information about changing fonts and font sizes using different web browsers and operating systems, and using the keyboard instead of the mouse, try the sites listed below:
- BBC's My Web My Way
- AbilityNet (PC users)
- Apple Accessibility (Mac users)
- RNIB's technology section
