Discuss the Most Common Problems That Users with Visual Impairments Have When Using the World Wide Web. Explain How Screen Readers Help to Overcome Some of These Problems and What the Difficulties Are with Designing Successful Screen Readers.

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Discuss how screen savers help users with visual impairments when using the World Wide Web. Screen readers, e.g. Window-Eyes and JAWS, are forms of assistive technology (software) which enable visually impaired Web users to experience computer generated auditory output which emulates screen contents, both text and graphics which cannot be seen. Sound (computer-synthesized speech) and touch is used to substitute for a lack or shortage of visual abilities. A documented list of web-user frustrations include: confusing page layout feedback, S-R and application conflict, forms being poorly designed, pictures lacking alternative text, links that mislead and PDF inaccessibility (Lazar & Allen in Lazar, 2007: p. 187) suggesting that navigation, searching, querying and cognitive overload issues could be addressed by screen reader technology which specifically addresses page layout confusion. Screen readers have made access to screen content more accessible for visually impaired users. It is an improvement on Braille output devices that have had limited success due to cost and Braille literacy. Specific screen reader benefits include: • Education and specific experience is not a requirement. • The product to be purchased is software, which does not require special hardware. • The screen reader is an inexpensive investment. • Potential government and health services sponsorship may be available. • It has been shown that users who have been depending on hearing due to visual impairment have been shown to favour a use of screen readers as hearing senses are already sharpened. For such a popular way of communicating with website interface content, more research is required to explore assistive technology in general and screen readers in particular. Difficulties Associated With Designing Successful Screen Readers Although screen readers are popular options

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