Altering Text Size
To alter your text size, move your mouse pointer over the word 'View' or 'Page' that is displayed at the
top of the browser window and click the mouse button once. This will display a dropdown list of
options. Move the mouse pointer over the option labelled "Text Size" and press the mouse button
once. This will display another list of options. Click on the required option for the text size
wanted. The page will then refresh with your newly selected setting.
Altering Text Colours
Some people find certain text and background colour combinations difficult to read, while others prefer
to always have a specific colour such as white text on a black background. In either case it is easy to
set your own colours.
Move your mouse pointer over the word 'Tools' that is displayed at the top of the browser window and
click the mouse button once. This will display a list dropdown list of options. Move the mouse pointer
over the option labelled 'Internet Options' and click the mouse button once. This will open up a new
window. Move the mouse pointer over the button labelled 'Accessibility' and click the mouse button
once. A further window will now open. Move your mouse pointer to the box beside 'Ignore colours specified
on web page' and click the mouse button once this will tick the box. Move your mouse pointer over the
button labelled 'Ok' and click the mouse button once and repeat on the remaining window. The web site
will now be using the same colour scheme as on your computer.
If you need to change the text or background colours on the web page within 'Internet Options' move the
mouse pointer over the button labelled 'Colors' and click the mouse button once. The default setting
is to have the 'Use Windows colors' option selected, to use your own colours move your mouse pointer
to the ticked box and click the mouse button once. Now move your mouse pointer to the block of colour
beside either 'Text' or 'Background' and click the mouse button once. Move your mouse pointer to the
colour you wish to use and click the mouse button once. When finished move the mouse pointer over the
button labelled 'Ok' and repeat on the remaining window.
Trouble with scrolling?
Some people with mobility problems have difficulty with long, scrolling pages.
First, try using the arrow keys on your keyboard. The 'Up' and 'Down' arrow keys will help with
scrolling. You can also jump a page at a time by using the 'Page Up' and 'Page Down' keys.
You can also jump to the top and bottom of the page by using the 'Home' and
'End' keys.
To move through the site, try using your tab key, followed by the return key.
Difficulty with the mouse?
Using a mouse can be very hard if you have stiff fingers or limited use of your hands.
You might find it easier to use a 'roller' or 'trackball' mouse, or one of the mice designed for
children.
Abilitynet has lots of
information about alternatives, as well as other useful hints to make using your computer less of a strain.
Listen to this website with BrowseAloud
Visitors can listen to this website with BrowseAloud, which is free to website visitors and can be easily downloaded from the BrowseAloud Website.
What is BrowseAloud?
BrowseAloud makes websites accessible to those who require online reading support, which is 20% of the UK population. It works by reading web pages aloud in a human-sounding voice. The user simply hovers their mouse pointer over the text to hear it read aloud.
What does BrowseAloud look like?
BrowseAloud features and options are accessed from an easy to use, floating toolbar (see above). You can position this toolbar anywhere on your screen or hide from view, as you prefer.
What will BrowseAloud do for me?
- Reads web pages aloud in a human-sounding voice
(Includes websites, intranets, extranets, html, accessible Flash, alt tags)
- Reads secure web pages
- Reads PDF and Word documents in their original format
- Highlights each word as it is spoken to show you where you are on the page
- Magnifies text to your chosen font size and font style
- Translates word-for-word between English, French, German, Italian and Spanish
- Looks up accurate dictionary definitions
- Converts text to MP3
- Masks information on the screen to help you focus on a particular area
Who does BrowseAloud help?
BrowseAloud helps any website visitor who requires online reading support. This includes those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, mild visual impairments and those with English as a second language.
How do I download BrowseAloud?
Download BrowseAloud from the BrowseAloud website:
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