Feature Writer Karen Crowder – Six Great Accessible Websites for Blind Computer Users
Whether you are new to using your first or second computer there are some intellectual challenges while learning email, Microsoft Word, or the internet.
In the summer of 2003, I took lessons at Fitchburg Public library to familiarize myself with Microsoft Word, email, and websites. I finally received my computer late that September and was curious to explore the world of the internet.
After almost nine years, and a bunch of trial and error, I have a few favorite websites I keep returning to because they are entertaining and often educational, but more importantly, they are very accessible. Here I will highlight six websites which are blind-friendly and informative. I often lose track of time when visiting them and they are a breeze to navigate.
www.perkins.org has information about the Perkins School for the Blind, their history, and updates about upcoming events at the school. It also informs you about innovative programs for both children and adolescents. Perkins not only offers blindness products, but an impressive collection of locally-written and produced books as well. These books are recorded at the Lacey Recording studio, a part of Perkins’ large Talking Book and Braille Library. Subjects range from the history of Boston and Massachusetts as a whole, biographies of local sports and political figures, and some good local fiction.
www.homereaders.com and its new site, www.blindaudio.com, offer catalogs, cookbooks, and informational books. They recently expanded and now have a Braille division. You may have already heard of them, as they produce the Schwans food catalog and preparation guide.
www.smallflowers.com is an online apothecary to discover older and newer fragrances, Yardley of London, Maja, and other health, bath, and body products. Everything is listed alphabetically by scent brand and country. Customer service is friendly and they are aware if what you request is available.
www.carroll.org is where they carry items like talking thermometers and other useful accessible products. They inform you of events and new distance learning classes taught from the Carroll Center as well.
www.walgreens.com is where you can find everything from groceries to appliances. You can also learn information about specific diseases or a drug’s side effects.
www.vermontcountrystore.com is where you go to discover New England fare, delicious, Vermont maple syrup, balsam draft stoppers, or request hard to find items. Their customer service is wonderful and they really care about making their site accessible. When elderly and blind customers complained because there site became difficult to navigate they listened to us.
What websites do other Ziegler readers like and why do you like them?