often, with a text based browser like lynx, you get a nasty message
from a site like "dummy! use netscape or ie". In these instances, you
are allowed no further in. Also, many of the forms that do not work
in text based browsers work in ie and netscape. More and more sites
are less and less useable with lynx and as the ability of screen
readers to tackle the gui gets better, the screen readers can handle
those sites much better. In effect, but for the ability to cut and
past and to move between applications, there is not much difference
between using lynx and the gui other than that which I have described.
Given a choice, it is better over all to use the gui simply due to the
weight of the work.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sherman, Sarah" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: February 07, 2001 3:59 PM
Subject: Graphics-based browsers vs. text-based browsers with screen
reade r
My colleague Axel Schmetzke and I are pondering screen reader users'
preference of browsers. Could you please share, in your experience
(personal
or otherwise), do you find more people using a screen reader with
text-only
browsers, or graphics-based browsers? If you use a screen reader, what
is
your preference? If you train others, do you train with the screen
reader in
conjunction with a text browser, or a graphics browser?
We have found that often, it is much easier to navigate the WWW with a
screen reader when a text-only browser like Lynx is used. You don't
have to
worry about structure as much, and anything that Lynx couldn't
interpret,
chances are JAWS (or another screen reader) wouldn't be able to
interpret it
anyway. On the other hand, graphics-based browsers such as Netscape
and IE
have structural designs that are harder to navigate with the screen
reader
(though if the site is generated with accessibility in mind, it can be
done).
My apologies for cross-posting. Thank you very much for any
experiences you
can share!
Sarah Sherman
Program Coordinator
Assistive Technology Program
UW-Stevens Point
715-346-4980
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