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As a teacher of a blind middle school student, I have quickly become disappointed in the resources and access to Web2.0 Tools for visually impaired and blind people. There are several organizations currently trying to change legislation to make web accessibility for blind users. The American Foundation for the Blind are working with Congress to come up with requirements for all websites to guarantee web access for the vision impaired. I applaud their work and believe that giant strides need to be made in setting a design standard for websites that allows simple and organized navigation. Another fighter for universal access on the web is TRACE Center at the University of Wisconsin. TRACE was started to help the research communication needs for non speaking and severely disable. The have guidelines for web design and forums as well as links to tools, technology and government services for helping vision impaired on the web.

Even with out specific website design, there are some options currently available. Screen readers applications, such as JAWS, can convert text to speech (TTS) so that a user hear the website. However, screen readers still make navigating a website difficult when text is part of an image or when code and extranous text (advertising) dominate the site. Other options include websites that will convert other sites content to human voice such as Odiogo. Once again, this site seems to be focusing on converting blogs to speech so that the blogs may be accessible on the go through the use of an iPod or other digital listening devices.

When it comes to web services for blind users, I have found the most useful sites are not made by companies or corporations, but instead made by individuals. The Blind Geek Zone is a GREAT website that contains information for the blind community. Not only is there a weekly podcast, but the website also provides documents for applications, keyboard shortcuts and tutorials for MS Word and Excel. As well the website provides links to blogs, podcasts, programs, organizations, and other similar websites for the blind. Most importantly, the site creator is a trainer for hire to teach other blind users how to use the computer and the web. I am unsure how I came across this site, but it has been the most comprehensible website of information for a blind user and the web so far.

After my unsuccessful search for a blog service for my blind student and taking inspiration from the creator of Blind Geek Zone, I have also decided to create a website for my blind student. I will post the students work on the website. For example, the student has created a PowerPoint of instructions to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a blog about himself and will soon create a podcast. I hope to also start adding links to sites that he uses frequently and truly create a simple web resource for my student.

As technology and electronics become more a part of day to day life in the home and work place, it is essential that universal access to websites becomes a norm for all website designers, the same that handicap accessible ramp becomes the norm for all building designers. Until then, it will be up to organizations to fight for universal web access design and individuals to create the web content for themselves and other users.

American Foundation for the Blind http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=57&TopicID=167

TRACE Center http://trace.wisc.edu/world/web/

JAWS- Screen Text Readers http://www.freedomscientific.com/products/fs/jaws-product-page.asp

Odiogo - Content to Speech http://www.odiogo.com/

Blind Geek Zone http://www.blind-geek-zone.net/links.htm