My experience as a blind user is that, with sufficient access provided by a
Windows screen reader utilizing the Microsoft Accessibility model to
interpret the graphics on the screen, a good Windows screen reader (JAWS for
Windows, WindowEyes, etc.), and Internet Explorer 5.0 or above is the
preferred choice.  Some people are also using Netscape Navigator, but it is
not always as readily accessible as Internet Explorer.  I think the IBM
HomePage Reader works with Netscape pretty well, but it means learning yet
another piece of software to browse the internet, versus using a screen
reader that is already available (most people are already using JAWS for
Windows).  Artic WinVision used to work well with Internet Explorer, but the
latest version did not work as well, at least for me, and motivated me
finally to switch to JAWS.  So to answer your question, using Internet
Explorer with a good screen reader for Windows would be my choice.    There
is no sense even considering a DOS browser and a DOS screen reader, as DOS
is nearly if not completely obsolete, and the next version of Windows is
eliminating DOS altogether.

- Jackie

-----Original Message-----
From: Sherman, Sarah [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2001 12:58 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Graphics-based browsers vs. text-based browsers


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
share!

Sarah Sherman
Program Coordinator
Assistive Technology Program
UW-Stevens Point
715-346-4980