How disabled user access the Internet
So, how do disabled people access the Internet?
Blind users
Internet users who have no sight at all may utilize a screen reader, which reads the content of the web page, or rather the HTML code of the page, back to them. These machines sift through the HTML code and the technology deciphers what needs to be read aloud and what should be ignored. You can download the JAWS screen reader for a free 30-day trial. Once you've downloaded it, go to your website, turn your monitor off, and try to navigate your website.
Partial/poor sight
To take full advantage of the Internet, users with partial or poor sight may need to be able to enlarge the text on web pages. Check if your website allows them to achieve this on Internet Explorer by going to ‘View > Text size > Largest’.
If your site is accessible to this group of users then the size of the text throughout the page will increase. Text embedded within graphics isn't resizable and may cause difficulties for this group of web users.
Users with poor vision may also use a screen magnifier to enlarge the text size. Again, text embedded within graphics may cause difficulties as it can appear blurry and pixelated when magnified.
Colour blindness
It's estimated that one in 12 men and one in 200 women have some form of colour blindness (Source: IEE). You can check how Internet users with different strains of colour blindness are viewing your website with Vischeck.
Deaf users
Deaf web users are often able to access the Internet in much the same way as able-bodied people, with one key exception - audio content. If it's a key function of your website for people to be able to hear a message, then be sure to provide subtitles or a written transcript.
Some of your site users don't have access to a mouse when browsing the Internet. Try putting yourself in their position by navigating your website using only tab, shift-tab, and the return key.
Other users
Other people who may access your website that have disadvantages include:
Some epileptic users who must always be careful to avoid seeing flickering between 2 and 55 Hz
Web users from outside your industry who may not understand industry jargon or acronyms
Web users whose first language is not English and who may not be able to comprehend complicated language