Voice-enabled sites 'offer benefits beyond accessibility'

Category: Accessibility

July 22nd 08, 11:06

Websites that offer content delivered via an audio channel could reap benefits beyond those associated with increased accessibility for the visually impaired, it has been claimed.

Writing for IT-Director.com on the recent launch of a text-to-speech solution by Textic, Peter Abrahams of Bloor Research said that while voice-enabled sites can do much to ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines, they can also reach sectors of society other than the disabled.

He gave the examples of speech on websites potentially offering a more attractive way of taking in internet content for those with dyslexia, users for whom English is a second language and people with learning difficulties.

More generally, voice-enabled pages can also appeal to those who simply prefer to listen rather than read, Mr Abrahams noted.

"Sites that provide the extra voice-enabled option should experience extra stickiness and that should convert into extra revenue over time," he commented.

Earlier this month, non-profit organisation Lighthouse International announced the launch of a new software tool for use with the Firefox browser for the visually impaired.

LowBrowse allows those with moderate or severe low vision to view internet pages as originally intended while also reading text customised for their own visual needs.

This news story was brought to you by Bluhalo, a leading UK digital agency.

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