SCIE website - help

Accessibility resources

There are many tools available to help people use the internet.

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.

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.

You can use the Tab key to move between links and between sections of a form on this website. Holding down the Shift key and pressing Tab will move you back up the page. You can use the Return key to follow a link or to select an option in a form. The Up and Down keys allow you to select options from drop-down menus.

You may also want 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: