Nimble document navigation using alternative access tools

The user who is reading hyperlinked multimedia documents (e.g., Web pages, Intranets) using access technology such as screen readers, Braille displays or screen magnifiers, faces three challenges: obtaining an overview of the document, which includes getting a sense of the structure of the document, moving to specific sections or elements in the document, and obtaining translations of graphically presented information (i.e., animation, video, graphics). The user with sight can get a good sense of the content and scope of a document at a glance. Formatting and layout allow the reader to quickly find a specific part of a document. When using screen readers and screen magnifiers only a very small piece of information can be viewed at one time. Visual communication of information regarding the structure or content of a document cannot be used. This paper will discuss developments on various fronts which make it easier to retrieve information and manipulate documents when using screen readers and screen magnifiers. Web publishing tools, browser enhancements and document creation supports within authoring tools will be hi-lited.