What's The Internet

The Internet is one of the most effective and exciting empowerment tools available for people with and without disabilities. Access to the Internet entails virtually unlimited possibilities for communication with e-mail and access to information through the World Wide Web.

Internet Service Providers

An Internet Service Provider, often called an ISP, is a company that sells access to the Internet. Some, such as America Online, offer universal Internet access.

Many local ISPs promise bargain prices, friendly service, and other such benefits. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that some smaller ISPs have reliability problems and may not be equipped to deal with special needs. It's good to keep such issues in mind and take notes when considering a local ISP.

Assistive Technology Online

There are a number of programs that are designed specifically for making the Internet more accessible to users with disabilities. Here are a few that might be helpful.

Specialized Internet Browsers

Text-only browsers can be used with screen reading software more easily than standard browsers, helping users with difficulty reading or those with visual impairments.
Try Lynx (http://lynx.browser.org/) or Lynx32 for Windows 9x (http://www.fdisk.com/doslynx/lynxport.htm). Both are freeware.

Screen reading browsers integrate text-to-speech capabilities into the browser software. Good for users with visual impairments.
For around $150, try IBM Homepage Reader (http://www-3.ibm.com/able/hpr.html) PWWebSpeak (trial edition available) by Productivity Works (http://www.prodworks.com/).
If that's too expensive, try Brookes Talk developed by the SPEECH Project at Oxford Brookes University (http://www.brookes.ac.uk/schools/cms/research/speech/btalk.htm), available to download for free from their web page.

Specialized E-mail Programs

Talking E-mail Programs read e- mail text to users by integrating text-to-speech capabilities into the e-mail software. Helpful for the visually impaired.
Talking E-mail by 4 Developers Software (http://www.4developers.com/talkmail/) is a great shareware program of this type (registration costs $19). Also available is
Speaking E-mail Deluxe by UK Software (http://www.uk-software.com/speakingemail.htm), which is also shareware (registration costs $14-30)
QWKTALK 4 by Pegasus Software, DOS freeware available from http://ccsj.org/users/franka/pub/qwktalk4.zip.

Voice E-mail Programs allow users to compose and receive recorded voice messages via email.
Coolspeak (http://www.coolspeak.com/) is a great Internet community that gives users access to e-mail and voice e-mail software free of charge.
Similar programs are available for about $15-30, such as Sonic Mail by Real (http://www.real.com/), eMail VOICELink by inChorus (http://www.inchorus.com/) and Voice e-Mail by Bonzi.com Software (http://www.bonzi.com/).

Miscellaneous Internet Software

Biolink Accessible MP3 Player by Biolink Computer Research & Development, Ltd. (http://www.biolink.bc.ca/) is an MP3 player that is compatible with most screen-reading and other accessibility programs. $29.

Internet Accessibility and Safety

Besides its obvious benefits however, the Internet can also be confusing, frustrating, and even dangerous for all users. This is especially true for newer users that don't fully understand how the Internet works. It is a good idea to be aware of some online tools that are available to ensure an accessible and safe Internet experience.

Bobby by CAST (http://www.cast.org/bobby/) is a unique web-based tool that analyzes web pages to ensure that they are fully accessible to persons with disabilities. If a web page has the Bobby Approved icon, one can be certain that it will be accessibility friendly.

The Internet holds a great deal of information, some of which is best kept clear of impressionable minds. Filtering Software restricts access to such harmful information.
Try Net Nanny (http://www.netnanny.com/) or
Cyber Patrol (http://www.microsys.com/cyber/).

Online vendors often use e-mail as a means to soliciting potential customers. E-mail filters can help block such unwanted messages, sometimes called "spam." AOL has built-in e-mail filters as does Hotmail and most other such online mail communities.

Stay Safe Online (http://www.staysafeonline.info/) has lots of good security tips and resources regarding Internet safety.