(TechnAbility
Exchange - Tom Dekker)
Internet
Resources
(Revised May 20,
1999)
This page has links to dedicated
talking web browsers, other software and information that will be
helpful for negotiating Cyberspace in a more accessible manner.
Talking Web
Browsers
- PW WebSpeak is a dedicated speech and large
print web browser that allows access to the Internet for
people with no prior computer experience; its use
requires no prior knowledge of Windows or Windows screen
readers. It is produced and marketed by The Productivity Works of Trenton NJ, along with many
other innovative products and services.
- The IBM Home Page Reader has recently been released. Before
you can use this product though, you must have Netscape
Navigator version 3.2 or higher installed on your
computer.
- Simply Web is another interesting solution. It is part
of a whole suite of talking Internet products which can
be obtained from EconoNet International. These products can either stand
alone, or operate in conjunction with your existing
screen reader.
Audio Resources
- Real Audio lets you use the Internet to tune into a
rapidly growing number of radio stations that broadcast
on the net. In fact, people are starting to use software
that allows them to create internet-only radio stations
right from their PC's. You can download a free version,
or purchase one that has many additional features. Here
are some links to some broadcast sources on the net.
Check them all out, since they each have different
stations and services:
- Audible.com lets you go portable with Internet Audio.
They will sell you a machine similar to a WalkMan that's
full of memory in place of the cassette or disk. Then,
you can download your favorite real audio sources and
take them with you, or purchase a wide range of
best-selling business books, traditional literature, etc.
Broadcast.com is currently the largest netcaster of
conventional on-air stations. Check out their wide range
of additional subject areas including audio books,
education, entertainment and much more.
- Earth Tuner is a user interface and database that
provides access to many real audio broadcast feeds. Be
warned that this program is more friendly to some screen
readers than others, but it's sure a quick way to search
for stations around the world.
- MP3.com is your source for the Mpeg audio player
that allows you to listen to CD-quality Mpeg files, or
tune into Mpeg audio streaming. Be aware that these files
are very large, anywhere from 2 megabytes and up.
- Net Radio .com has radio stations that broadcast
exclusively on the Internet.
- On Air.com features feeds especially for the G2 Real
Audio software, which provide higher quality audio.
- Virtual
Tuner is just what
it says, with more than 5500 streaming links!
Web Pages
and Accessible Internet
If you're interested in having a
speech-friendly web site designed for you, one of the best places
to go is KIN'a.
On the other hand, if you want to
explore the process of putting together your own page, click here for comprehensive HTML and web
information, and be sure
to explore the rest of Gregory's site for all kinds of other
invaluable resources.
Once you've designed a web page,
should you go that route, you'll need a way to upload it to your
Internet Service Provider. This is usually done with something
called an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client. My favorite piece
of software for this job is CuteFTP. It's
very speech-friendly. But if you don't like that, you can get
another one from Paul Henrichsen's home page.
Though I'm not the greatest expert
on this topic, feel free to Email
me if you have questions.
If you come across a web site that
does not seem accessible, have a look at Quick
Tips For Accessible Web Design so you can be better informed when you contact the
web master. You may also want to refer them to its URL.
click here to send me email
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© Copyright 1999
by Tom Dekker
Access Technology Consultant for the Blind and Reading Disabled
Houston, Texas, USA
Telephone: (281) 988-8982
Fax (pre-arranged only): (281) 530-1740
Email: Dekker@concentric.net