This page provides an ever-increasing collection of useful resources primarily intended for visually impaired people in the UK. However I hope it is of some use to all people where ever they are in the world.
This is a comprehensive resource that includes categories such as Search Engines, Personal websites and links to newspapers. There is also a useful downloads section.
please feel free to suggest improvements to the site or just say
Hi!
If you want to make any suggestions or send me details about
any sites you think may be of interest please e-mail me at the
following address:
Choose from one of the following links:
Visually Impaired Radio and Electronics Society
The
accessible version of the BBC web site
This web site contains program listings, education and
background information relating to BBC broadcasts. It is designed
to be accessible for blind people using screen readers.
U.K. Radio
This is a Good source of information about broadcast radio in the U.K. This site also gives access to a good E-Mail newsletter about U.K. radio.
Radio stations that also broadcast on the Internet
This is a regularly updated U.K. based list of radio stations from around the world that also broadcast on the Internet. This list also includes some stations that only broadcast on-line. You will need a number of players such as Realplayer, Windows Media Player and WinAmp to listen to these stations. visit this site if you need to download audio products for your PC.
Mikes Radio World
This is an easily accessible list of radio stations that broadcast on the Internet. It is not as comprehensive as some!
ACB Radio
This is an internet-only "radio" station that is sponsered by the American Council of the Blind. It is run by Jonathan Mosen in New Zealand. It broadcasts 4 streams, three of which are produced by visually impaired people from all over the world. You can also easily download audio players such as Winamp, Real Player and Windows Media Player from here>.
Raging.com
This is a simplified version of the Altavista Search Engine.
Altavista is one of the most well-known search engines. It's text
only search page is less cluttered than many search engines and Raging offers less facilities but is easier to use.
Google Search Engine
This is probably the best known search engine which tends to return the best and most relevant search results. It is uncluttered and easy to use. After you have performed a search, look for the words "see your message" which are situated after the sponsored links and just above the propper results. Google also now allows you to search and post to newsgroups with its web interface, though you cannot access or send binaries. .
Download the Ferretsoft suite of search tools
This is one of the most friendly search tools available to anyone. It is extremely easy to use. It integrates itself into the find menu of Windows 95/98. This can be found on the top level of the Start Menu. The company that produce these tools, FerretSoft,only currently support WebFerret, and you can download the latest versionfrom their site.
All the Web
This search engine, powered by Lycos, allows searching of the UK or all the web. It is more accessible than Lycos.
Yahoo UK
This is the Yahoo search engine, one of the most famous. It has recently become more accessible.
Many people appreciate the value of web-based e-mail. When travelling you can use any internet connection and web browser to read your mail. Many of these web-based mail sites are difficult to access. Here are some sites I and others have found useful.
free Email guide
This is a guide to the different free Email services available on the Internet. You can search the database with criteria you choose.
Google groups
Search and post to newsgroups using this easy to use web-based interface from Google.
My Real Box
This is a web-based e-mail provider which offers an alternative to Hotmail. You can attach messages, spell check and keep your own address book. You can access your mail through a POP client such as Outlook Express or Eudora.
One limitation is that despite the service attracting lots of junk mail (in my case anyway), filters stop you from using the service to receive messages from yahoo groups. The service is quite reliable though and reasonably easy to access.
Hot Pop
This is a pop 3-based mail provider with a free account available plus a number of premium services for which you pay. You can set up a pop 3 account with Hotpop which means that you can use email clients such as Outlook to access your messages. At the time of writing, this service seems very reliable, but you are asked to enter verification text from a graphic to verify your account. This may need sighted assistance.
This is an accessible way of viewing your pop mail on the web. This can be useful if your pop client gets stuck downloading mail or you want to view your mail in an accessible way while travelling.
UK ISP Reviews
This website will keep you up-to-date withh the rapidly changing Internet Service Provider (ISP) scene in the UK. You can read reviews of ISPs and read regular ISP updates posted throughout the day.
Net4Nowt
This is a comprehensive list of free Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the UK. There is sign-up information for most ISPs listed, as well as other information needed for signup, dialup and broadband.
ADSL Guide
This is a guide to UK broadband adsl providers. There are forums where you can discuss different providers as well as hardware and software reviews, isp ratings, isp listings and more.
The empowerment zone
This Is
a page full of useful information about access technology,
internet resources and more. some of it is very specific to the
United States. Be aware that there are lots of links on the home page so it
may take a while to load.
RNIB Technology page
This is a link to the RNIB's technology site. It provides useful information and factsheets relating to access technology and U.K. suppliers.
RNIB information on creating accessible web pages
This page gives hints to web designers on how to make their pages accessible to visually impaired and blind people. It also has pointers to guidelines and analytical resources to help anyone creating web pages.
Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing
This is a jargon-busting site that should help explain the constantly changing array of computer terminology in use today.
How Stuff Works
If you've ever wondered about how something in everyday life
works then check here. There is everything from fridges to car
engines; there's even a section on the toilet. The good news is
that it is easy to access with most browsers and screenreaders.
Encyclopedia Britanica Online
Use the Online version of Encyclopedia Britannica, one of the most well known encyclopaedias produced in the U.K.
Information on U.K. telephone numbers
If you have still not got your head around the new telephone numbers in the UK, that came into effect in April 2000, then this site is for you.
Find your way around the London Underground and public transport
If you are planning to travel around London by public transport, particularly using the underground, and you are not sure of your way, this site might be a good starting point.
the Royal National Institute
for the Blind
This is arguably the highest profile charity for the blind and
visually impaired in the UK. There are other important charities
and they will appear on this page soon.
National Library for the Blind
This is a library which, traditionally, has concentrated on
access to Braille material. Recently it has become more involved
in the provision of on-line reference material and electronic books as well as working with other libraries and organisations to make their material accessible.
Action for Blind People
This national charity provides a wide range of services. It is particularly strong on provision of welfare rights and benefits advice.
Until recently most accessible games have been dos-based interactive fiction text-only games. These games are challenging and should not be ignored - there is a lot of humour and fascinating game play in them. There are also an increasing number of dos-based games using sound and now there are windows based games as well. Check some of these links out.
accessible windows-based games
This site contains a new crop of accessible games that run under Windows 95/98 including Simon, Battleships, FreeCell and Wordplay.
Bavisoft
This software produce a sound-only windows game called Grizzly Gulch. It a Wild west adventure with loads of sound and characters. Visit there website or visit the
ACB Radio Shows on Demand section, and listen to the MainMenu show for 87 for an in-debth demonstration of this exciting new game.
Jim Kitchen's games This set of free dos and Windows-based games includes Golf, monopoly and Wintruck, a trucking game. You will need a sound card to take best advantage of these games.
Audyssey games magazine, games and utilities
It is difficult to know how to categorise this site as it contains a lot of useful bits and pieces. You will find the Audyssey magazine edited by Michael Feir as well as a number of links to games by PCS including a shooting range and ten-pin bowling. You will also find links to text-based adventure and fiction games.
Here are some U.K. sites that I have found to be relatively accessible. It may take some time and experimentation to fully navigate and use these sites.
Amazon text only page
This site will allow you to buy books, cds and electronics online.
Argos
Argos is one of the best known catalog based stores in the U.K. It sells a wide range of products ranging from kitchenware to electrical goods. Just go to the site and click on the go shopping link.
I am currently interested in accessible websites for buying food and drink. These may include specialist suppliers or supermarkets. Some people have found some success with Tesco although they only deliver in certain parts of the country. If you have any ideas please drop me an e-mail.
Please bookmark this site and visit regularly for new links and updates.
Last updated: Monday, April 02, 2001 05:40:20