Just Browsing

Monday 10th December 2007

This article provides an introduction to web browsers and how assistive technologies like screen readers can be used with web browsers to enhance the experience of surfing the web for those with a disability.

Ok, a starter for ten: what is a web browser?

Well, if you're reading this, you're probably using a web browser to do so. A web browser is a software program used to access and display pages and files on the web. Popular web browsers include Firefox, Opera, Internet Explorer and Safari. These browsers are described as 'graphical' browsers, which means they display text, graphics, sound and other media. Users navigate their way round web pages by selecting buttons, icons and menu options.

Ok these are 'graphical' browsers, what other types of browsers are there?

Aside from graphical browsers, there's a plethora of browser technology available for all user-types. Here's some of the most common types:

Non-graphical browsers

The most popular non-graphical browser is called Lynx. Viewing web pages with Lynx means there are no graphics; just text. An obvious advantage to this is it's very quick to load up a website, which makes it suitable for users with limitations on their internet connection or bandwidth. An immediate obstacle (for most) is that you can't use a mouse; all navigation is undertaken through the keyboard (take our web challenge) or some other input device. The real benefactors of a text-based browser though are those with visual impairments (including blind users).

So how does a blind person surf the web?

Screen readers

With Lynx (and most graphical browsers) screen reader technology can be integrated to help people with little or no functional vision. (People with some vision often use screen magnifiers rather than a screen reader.) In contrast to graphical and non-graphical browsers, the output from a screen reader will often be audible or as Braille.

The audible output from a screen reader is basically an electronically generated 'recital' of a web page, i.e. the user listens to the web page rather than reads it.

The Braille output is a series of raised dots that a user can pass their fingers over in order to 'read' the web page content (no, the dots don't appear on the screen but on a special keyboard - pictured). Interestingly, in some circumstances, the users of screen readers don't even have a screen!

Voice browsers

In a similar vein to screen readers, voice activated browsers exist for users who are unable to physically interact with a computer keyboard or mouse. These browsers allow voice-driven navigation, resulting in a user speaking to the computer and the computer speaking back! Conversay Voice Surfer uses a technology they call Saycons, which allow you to say the names of icons (i.e. links). So you could say 'home' and the browser takes you to the home page of the site.

Mobile (and other small screen) browsers

You may already be aware that you can surf the web on your mobile phone. Statistics show that there's more than three times the amount of mobile telephone users than computer users! And every year this number is increasing dramatically. Unfortunately, support for mobile browsers is not developing as fast. For example, Opera for mobile devices is one of the most developed and reliable small screen browsers available today but the sheer number of mobile devices out there means Opera to work on every device is no mean feat.

The problem is that the mobile market is so competitive (in terms of providing feature-rich products) little communication goes on between the designers of these mobile devices. With each brand of mobile device comes its own proprietary, built-in browser; all varying in quality. The ideal scenario will be a single browser that works on every device; it's a web designers dream to design for a single browser. It'll never happen though! At least things are improving in the mobile browsing world... just very slowly.

Assistive technology (software that gets used with web browsers)

There's no shortage of innovation when it comes to computer technologies that help users of with disabilities access web content:

• Haptic Devices – allow a user to interact with a computer by receiving tactile feedback
• Head Mounted Pointer – this is a device that uses optical sensors to detect head movement that is then relayed to the mouse pointer on screen
• Lomak - a light operated mouse and keyboard (more information at The Letter)
• Touch Screens – allow users to physically select a link by touch rather than with a mouse pointer
• Large Screens – for visually impaired users
• Screen Magnifiers – can take the form of a huge magnifying glass that literally sits in front of the screen or a software program that simulates a magnifying glass that you can move around the screen with a mouse pointer
• Trackballs – operate like a mouse, except the need to grip the trackball is removed
• Ability Switches – are operated by foot, head, an eye blink or a breath to achieve similar results from a mouse click
• Ergonomic Keyboards – unusually-shaped keyboards for almost any scenario
• Neural Interfaces – small electrical signals can be acquired from the user's muscles, eye movement or brain waves to control a mouse pointer; it's not science-fiction even though it sounds like it!
• Word Prediction Programs – a common tool found on mobile telephones and word processors is also extremely useful for those with dexterity limitations in terms of keyboard input

Useful links

If this has whet your appetite for further information on browsing the Web with assistive technologies here's a few useful links:

• Jaws is a screen reader
• screen magnifier information
• Conversay Voice Surfer is a voice browser
• defining assistive technology
• brilliant collection of ergonomic keyboards
• large type keyboards
• alternative pointing devices
• Braille and low vision aids
• more keyboards and alternative input devices
• a thorough directory of sources of input technologies produced by Bill Buxton

web browsers, assistive technologies, non-graphical browsers, screen readers, voice browsers, mobile browsers, haptic devices, head mounted pointer, lomak, touch screens, screen magnifiers, trackballs, ability switches, ergonomic keyboards, neural interfa

posted by Blair Millen in the category: browsers

Comments are closed.