Last modified on December 17, 2024, 21:00 UTC

Combe Martin History Project

Accessibility Features in Web Browsers

Accessibility and Inclusive Design

Our nonprofit social project team is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected.

We understand that some users may have visual impairments or other accessibility needs.

While our limited budget doesn't yet stretch to paid third-party Accessibility tools, users have a range of accessibility options especially in web browsers.

Accessibility Tools

Modern browsers offer AI capabilities, and built-in accessibility features designed to help you navigate the web in a way that best fits your needs. Assistive Technologies are also available.

Tools include screen readers for Windows and MacOS, such as NV Access. Web browsers have accessibility tools and adjustable reading modes. Sometimes embedded from a third-party source, these tools are available for Android.

Screen readers embedded in browsers make web content more accessible, especially for those who prefer or need customisable auditory content. Microsoft Edge browser offers 'Read Aloud' via Settings, activated by keyboard shortcuts.

Browser Accessibility Features

Microsoft Edge and Copilot offer a range of accessibility features to enhance user experience. Edge includes tools like Immersive Reader for simplifying webpage layouts, Read Aloud for auditory content, colour filters for visual impairments, and keyboard shortcuts for easier navigation.

Modern browsers offer Accessibility extensions through the Chrome web store.

Microsoft Copilot provides AI-powered assistance. This allows users to interact through voice commands, receive personalized recommendations, and access real-time transcription, making it easier to navigate and interact with content.

Speech recognition is available for hands-free control. And together, all of these features improve web accessibility for users with various disabilities.

Screen Readers as Audiobook Creators

Screen readers can also conveniently turn web pages into audio books. It's a great way to experience articles in an immersive audio experience. This ensures that everyone can access information regardless of their reading abilities.

Disclaimer

While we test these apps and extensions, we offer no guarantees and cannot accept responsibility if things go wrong. Please use them at your own risk.

Our Combe Martin History Website

Our footer menu contains various navigation and resource links, which can be helpful for users who require more structured and easier-to-navigate content.

Our website content features large font, clear headings, paragraphs, and formatting. We continue to work on ways to make our website inclusive and accessible to all users, and to be available to them.

Web Accessibility with Voice Navigation

Use spoken commands to interact with websites and applications. Screen readers such as JAWS and NVDA now include voice navigation capabilities. Users can give voice commands to navigate web pages, read content, and interact with elements.

Accessibility Options in Browser Settings

In modern web browsers, users have the ability to zoom in on pages, which allows for the enlargement of images and text. This feature enhances visibility and makes content easier to read.

Adjusting page contrast colours through browser settings can make website content easier to read, and navigate. These adjustments are recommended for users with visual impairments or other accessibility needs.

Live caption services can create and translate captions for various languages. They assist everyone, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, in comprehending audio more effectively by offering automatic transcription.

Accessibility extensions are available through settings in many web browsers.

Accessibility | My Website

Accessibility Features in Web Browsers

We're endeavouring to make our website accessible for all users. Fortunately, modern web browsers provide a variety of built-in accessibility tools to help users with disabilities or impairments access our content.

Some of the key accessibility features available in popular browsers include:

  • Screen Readers: Browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge have integrated screen readers or support integration with third-party screen readers, allowing users who are blind or have low vision to navigate using text-to-speech and keyboard shortcuts.
  • Free Screen Readers: Free, open-source screen readers such as NV Access (NVDA) may be available free of charge to anyone.
  • Read Aloud: Some browsers have integrated text-to-speech tools (TTS) that will read pages aloud to users.
  • Zoom and Text Resizing: Browsers provide the ability to zoom in on web content or resize text, making it easier for users with low vision to read and interact with the page.
  • High Contrast Modes: Many browsers offer a high contrast viewing mode that reverses text and background colors, improving legibility for users with visual impairments.
  • Keyboard Navigation: Keyboard shortcuts and navigation options allow users who cannot use a mouse to tab through links, activate buttons, and navigate web pages.
  • Captions and Transcripts: Browsers can integrate with media players that provide captions or transcripts for audio and video content, benefitting users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Extensions and Plugins: Browser extensions and plugins can further enhance accessibility by adding features like text-to-speech, reading aids, and custom style sheets.

Translation Options:

Google Translate and Microsoft Translator can translate website content into several languages. Other translation websites and tools are also available. 

Web browsers don't automatically translate web pages for you. They can detect the language of a page, but you need to tell the browser to translate it if you want to read web pages in a different language.

When translation options are turned on in browser settings, users may be prompted to have foreign language content translated to their preferred language.

Free Translation Options Include:

Summary

As a small social, nonprofit project with limited resources, our goal is to make this website accessible as possible to all users.

There are several accessibility features available in popular web browsers, including screen readers, zoom/text resizing, high contrast modes, keyboard navigation, captions or transcripts, and browser extensions or plug-ins.

These features help make website content accessible to users with disabilities or impairments, allowing them to navigate and interact with the website effectively.

There are various website translation services available, such as Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, DeepL Translator, and Yandex Translate.

Translation options can be turned on in your browser settings, and you may be prompted to have foreign language content translated to your preferred language. 

Web browsers do not automatically translate web pages but they can detect the language of a page.

Users need to manually initiate translation within their browser settings, or on the translation service website, if they want to view the content in a different language.

Further Reading:

Web browser extra features to make web browsing more accessible >

How to translate any website from your browser >