Web site review

Citation

Aspinall, A. (2013), "Web site review", Journal of Assistive Technologies, Vol. 7 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/jat.2013.55107aaa.002

Web site review

Article Type: Web site review From: Journal of Assistive Technologies, Volume 7, Issue 1

www.rnib.org.uk

There are not many people reading this review who have not heard of the RNIB, supporting blind and partially sighted, but I wonder how many have associated its web site with a wonderful source of information about technology which, although primarily aimed at the blind or partially sighted, will be of real help to a much wider audience. The site, as would be expected, has many accessibility features. It has a great deal of information relevant to blind and partially sighted people and those who support them. However, for the purposes of this review I am concentrating on the “technology” part of the web site. The technology link is accessed under “Popular pages” on the left side of the home page.

The introduction to the technology site states that “being able to use computers, landline and mobile phones and other gadgets for work, leisure and keeping in contact are key tools for blind and partially sighted people”. This is shared by many other groups of people with a disability. The site offers a range of beginners’ guides which include “cloud computing, keyboard skills, mobile and smart phones, getting online, computers, laptops and tablets, interactive whiteboards and assistive technology”. As expected the assistive technology guides cover many of the accessibility devices used by blind and partially sighted people. Helpfully there are links to technology demonstration videos on YouTube.

If you read the guides but still need help you can register with the web site and use the technology discussion board. There is also a link to other (non RNIB) web sites that offer help and support. Failing all of these you can call or e-mail the RNIB helpline for their free technology support service.

There is a technology review section which looks at a wide variety of technology which is suitable for blind and partially sighted people, for example 50 popular voice over compatible iOS Apps (following on from an earlier review of iOS Apps which were not voice over specific).

Kindles are now very popular but who is aware that there is a large screen version, Kindle DX, only available from the Amazon US web site? This is reviewed on this site, pointing out the pros and cons of this larger, heavier version. The Kindle DX is not aimed specifically at low vision readers but to make it easier to read large format materials such as newspapers and pdfs.

Amongst the other links there is one for “useful links: technology”, some of which are very helpful. One in particular, “Fix the web” takes the user to a form to report bad web sites to accessibility volunteers. They will do what they can to work with the web site’s owners to improve it. There is a link to computer training courses for the elderly which links directly to the AgeUK site where there is yet more information about technology and the internet for the elderly and those people with visual impairments.

In conclusion, this web site is a great source of ideas and information for those with an interest in technology, especially those people who have a visual impairment or who support blind and partially sighted people.

Ann AspinallNHS Gloucestershire, Gloucester, UK.