Writer’s Corner: Accessibility = More Readers
Posted: May 1, 2023 Filed under: Accessibility, Adaptive Technology, Blog Content, Books, Commentary, Reader Platform, Writer's Corner, Writing | Tags: Accessibility, Adaptive Technology, Kaye Lynne Booth, Patty Fletcher, Print Disabilities, Visual Impairment, Writer's Corner, Writing to be Read 89 Comments
Did you know that there is a large audience of readers, which many authors are overlooking with their books? It’s true. Visually impaired and those with other disabilities are limited in the availability of reading materials which they can access, and authors are limiting themselves if they exclude this vast potential audience.
As a publisher, I have worked with several print disabled authors, who have helped to educate me on the why making my content accessible is important and how to better reach the members of this very large community of potential readers. Patty Fletcher is a visually impaired author who works hard to make her blog content and books accessible to the visually impaired community of readers, and she advocates to educate her fellow authors on this important subject. She points out that the size of this potential audience is immense, “with millions of impaired or disabled readers, who would read if they could access the content.” (Patty Fletcher, email March 24, 2023).
As an author, I want to get my books in front of as many potential readers as possible. That’s why I publish wide and offer my works in as many different formats that I can. But here, right under my nose, is this huge group of potential readers that I was overlooking. And I know that many of my fellow authors do, too. As authors, it makes good sense to be concious of this large group of potential readers, and do what we can to make our own online content and books accessible to them. What a great way to extend your author reach and grow your reader platform.
In order to reach out to this audience of potential readers, we must have some understanding of what visual impairment and other types of print disabilities are like and how they affect the lives of those who must deal with these issues every day. Ann Chiapetta is visually impaired due to retinal disease, which she acquired later in life. In her article, “The Print Barrier“, she talks about how she has adapted to her visual impairment, and how it has changed the way others percieve her, and the frustration of trying to work with people who just don’t get it. Being visually impaired doesn’t mean no longer “doing”, but it does mean adapting so that “doing” is possible.
My grandmother was blind from diabetes, so her disability also came to her later in life. I’m told that when I was born, she could see me as a shadow, but whether she could see me or not, she helped to raise me. She took care of me during the day when I was little, while my mother, who was a single parent, was at work. When I started school, she was who got me off each day. I wore a side-ponytail long before it came into fashion because my grandmother was who fixed my hair. Some of the kids teased me about it, but I always thought it made me special and unique. I’ve never been one to do what everyone else is doing. My grandfather was a doctor, so my grandmother ran the household. She could move through the house alone, with the aide of a cane; she cooked by feel, and she got her entertainment from television, radio, and talking books. I often wonder what she would think of the internet and modern adaptive technology.
Patty Fletcher uses a screen reader, as do many visually impaired and print disabled individuals, as a means to access online content. Technology that wasn’t thought of or needed in my grandmother’s day. Patty recommends “The Importance of Alt Text for Screen Reader Users: A Guide to Best Practices and Accessibility by Virtual Tech Advisor and Research Assistant Casey Mathews” for a good place to go for understanding what the technology is and what it does, and how you can make your content more accessible for people using screen readers by adding alternative text to your images.
This is not a difficult thing to do, but it does take time. This is a work in progress for me here on Writing to be Read, because the site is very image heavy, but the recent release of Poetry Treasures 3: Passions had alternate text added to all of the images in that book. It was the first WordCrafter Press book to have alt text, and I was pleased to accomplish the feat. I feel strongly that it was worth the time it took, to not exclude those who access content differently from the way that I access it, visually.
While your book and your site should be accessible to all, including those with disabilities, it can’t stop there. We live in a world where much of our communications with the world, including advertising and promoting your brand and your book, is done through social media. If a potential reader can’t access the promotion to receive your message, they won’t be a potential reader for long. Patty Fletcher’s “Life of a Blind Girl: Your A-Z Guide to socail media accessibility“, touches all the important points on accessiblity. This article lays out ways to make content accesible that every author should be thinking about, and areas where we can do this that might be overlooked if you are not aware of readers or potential readers with disabilities. I’ve been focused on creating proper headings and adding alt text to my images. After reading Patty’s article, it seems my next step will be learning how to add captions to videos, so that I can reach hearing impared individuals.
It’s a lot to learn and can’t all be done overnight. My site is a work in progress on this front, but I’ll keep at it, because I believe it is important to make muy content accessible to all. I will also continue to work on making my books and social media content more accessible as I go. If you would like to learn more about making online content accessible to visually impaired and print disabled individuals, beyond the aboove articles, Content for Everyone, by Jeff Adams and Michele Lucchini, is a good book of reference. They discuss not only why accessible content is necessary, but ways that you can make your content more accessible for many types of visual disabilities. You can read my “Review in Practice” for this book here.
It’s a large potential audience, which could turn into readers of your work. How far will you go to make sure they can all access your content?
___________________________________________________________________
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets. Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
______________________________________________________________
Want exclusive content? Join Kaye Lynne Booth & WordCrafter Press Readers’ Group for WordCrafter Press book & event news, including the awesome releases of author Kaye Lynne Booth. She won’t flood your inbox, she NEVER sells her list, and you might get a freebie occasionally. Get a free digital copy of her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction, just for joining.
Writing to be Read 
As someone who is registered blind and unable to read print, (I use Job Access with Speech or JAWS which converts text into speech and braille enabling me to use a Windows computer or laptop), I welcome this article. In addition to the points you make, I would add that authors should consider making their books available as e-books as Amazon Kindle has a text to speech facility enabling visually impaired people to have text read to them. Making books available in audio (for example via audible.com) is also a great way to make them accessible to as wide an audience as possible. All of my own books are available in Kindle (with text to speech enabled), and some are also available from Audible.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Great points, Kevin. I am just beginning to explore this realm, but I work with several visually disabled authors, who emphasize for me the important of doing this. I’ve also been working on making Writing to be Read more accessible, as well as my books. It does take time and work, but I think it is worth it. Just have patience with me in getting it all done. But I also think it something that many authors are not aware of, so I hope to help bring it to their attention. Accessibility is important.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Its great that you have been working with visually impaired people and have also been taking steps to make your blog and books more accessible. I am sure that you are correct that many authors are not aware of the problems faced by visually impaired readers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve gotten off to a great start.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Patty. I try. 🙂
LikeLike
Just remember, you don’t have to be perfect and trying is all any of us can do
Patty Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works as an author and social media marketing assistant.
Learn more at: http://www.pattysworlds.com
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLike
Hi Kevin, I didn’t know that about Amazon Kindle and it’s good to know. Thank you. I’ve been making an effort to add picture captions in my blogs and I recently learned how to add Alt text to pictures.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m glad my comment was helpful, Robbie. Although text to speech is a little robotic, once one becomes engrossed in a book one forgets the somewhat robotic voice. Its great that you are making your blog accessible.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The Alexa app also reads Kindle books and that voice is a bit better than the robotic voiceover.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Do you know where the text-to-speech option is in KDP? I found it once, but I wasn’t able to find again.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Liz. That’s a great question. I don’t have the answer, since I go through D2D, (I will also be inquiring there), but I bet some of our impaired authors may know. So we will throw it out to all. Who knows the answer to Liz’s question?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Kaye!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe if I’m not mistaken, that it is now automatic, but I will check with my editor publisher shortly and let you know. They are three hours behind me and I do not think they are home yet from their day job lol.
Patty Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works as an author and social media marketing assistant. Learn more at: http://www.pattysworlds.com
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Patty. 🙂
LikeLike
No worries.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Liz, I do not think you have to turn it on anymore. I believe it is automatic, but I will ask my editor/publisher this evening and let you know. I work with two ladies, who have a publishing company which specializes in adaptive communication they are called. Two Pentacles Publishing they now handle all of my work. We are getting ready to redo all of my currently published work under their brand as well as all of my new work so that there will be consistency throughout all of my work. I’ve had so many different people work on my stuff over the years, and none of them have done a really great job so now I am working with people who understand how to work with someone who relies on adaptive communication, they also work with everyone else and can assist anyone who would like advice on how to make certain all of their work is accessible see: TwoPentacles.com Thank you so much for reading and for your interest
Patty Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works as an author and social media marketing assistant. Learn more at: http://www.pattysworlds.com
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Patty! I appreciate your double-checking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good morning, Liz. I apologize. Last evening, after I answered comments, my granddaughter texted and we talk so rarely I was totally drawn into our conversation and by the time that was over the fact that my oldest granddaughter is driving drove (Sorry) thoughts of screen readers out of my head. I was too busy trying to find someone to tell me how many new gray hairs I have.
Anyhow, Iâve just written them and Iâm sure theyâll get back to me today.
Thanks again for your interest.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 2 people
No apologies needed, Patty! Whenever you get a chance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As far as we are aware, the text to speech is automatically enabled but weâre going to check further to be sure.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 2 people
OK, thank you, Patty!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, again Liz. It is indeed automatic.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s wonderful news, thank you, Patty!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome Liz.
If you place your books on Smashwords as well, this allows download options for all readers including word, text, PDF ePub and Kindle.
This allows those using things such as a braille display and other reading devices which are designed to assist print disabled readers with reading to have the correct options for downloading.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is cool. I didn’t know that. D2D recently merged with Smashwords and WordCrafter books are now available there, as well. Excellent.
LikeLike
D2D and I are not friends yet.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand. Hopefully they will strive toward accessibility in the future.
LikeLike
Thank you for the additional information, Patty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. Smashwords is one of my go to sites when I buy eBooks.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good to know. I haven’t looked into them yet, to see what they are all about, but will have to soon. Definitely worth exploring.
LikeLike
Good morning, to Kaye and all.
To answer the question concerning TTS (Text to Speech) when publishing, here is what my editor/publisher Dawn of Two Pentacles Publishing sent back when I wrote and asked for clarification.
âthe text to speech is automatic for most ebook sites. It’s auto-built into the book, but ones e-reader may need to have it enabled in the device settings.â
Note she says âMostâ not âAllâ So checking to make certain is always your best bet. Iâve not gotten a book from Amazon or Smashwords in quite some time, which has not offered the TTS so Iâd say those two are great. Thanks tons, everyone for your continued interest and have a superb day.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to know! Is it safe to assume that the Smashwords merger with Draft2Digital won’t change anything?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wouldn’t assume. I’d check. D2D has been less than friendly as far as their accessibility goes. I’m still trying to get my payment info put in so I can get royalties. It has taken me nearly 3 months to get the tax forms from them in an accessible format and I also had some issue signing up. I was finally able to do it by using my iPhone who’s voiceover is a bit more up to date than what is on my computer but still, when I wrote their customer services department it took my using strong language such as “Escalate this issue to your supervisor” and finally after 2 more emails I said, “I would like to have someone from your supervisor’s department contact me immediately about this issue else I will be forced to contact the ADA (Adults with Disabilities Act) before I got someone’s attention.
They’re grudgingly helping me but it’s going to take time because the documents they sent were in a digital PDF rather than a Word PDF and so I still cannot read the bloody things.
I do not like working with them and if I had a choice I wouldn’t. I love Smashwords and Amazon, but this new thing is driving me up the flipping wall.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m so sorry that you’re having these issues with D2D. I have always been so pleased with them that this distresses me. I will inquire as to what can be done.
LikeLike
Eventually they will send the correct documentation. I believe someone else was also having issue.
We won’t spoil this post by worrying about it here. This too shall pass.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ugh, how frustrating.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’ll get there. I’m patient and persistent.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good qualities to have!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re like wine, better with age.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would say that is not safe to assume. D2D is always striving to improve. As D2D authors we were offered the opportunityu to add our books in Smashwords, and have opportunities to participate in Smashwords sales. So when my book goes out through Smashwords, it gets all the Smashwords advantages, just as when it goes out through Amazon, it should get all the Amazon advantages and Text-to-Speech should be automatically enabled. If Patty’s information is correct, I believe the TTS capability comes from the distributor you go through, so that it is compatable with the appropriate reader, so D2D may not be at issue on this one. Although they still need to work on being accessible to visually impaired authors, they may be okay as far as impaired readers are concerned, as long as the publisher makes the content accessible in the first place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll just say, if D2D were my only option to buy a book, I wouldn’t purchase it. I tried to buy a book through that site once and never got it done. Fortunately it was on Smashwords and I bought it easily.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have inquired with my D2D guy to see if we can’t get this changed. So you weren’t able to purchase books through Books2Read either?
LikeLike
Thank you for the clarification, Kaye.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Also D2D is a part of Smashwords now, but their site is not blind friendly. Iâve just now gotten the correct tax forms I need to fill out in an accessible format. It took weeks of rangling, so theyâre not my fave right now.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s a shame about D2D.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoy working with Smashwords. Now my work is published there, I can go in and participate in sales, promotions Etc.
I make some of my best royalties and rank on free book giveaway more on Smashwords than any other place.
Why?
Because it’s accessible.
Everyone, print disabled or no, who utilizes the perks with signing up with them can tell you how great it is.
Anyhow, I’m off to work on some writing. Talk soon.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 2 people
[…] A good article on the importance of making content (particularly books) available in accessible formats, https://writingtoberead.com/2023/05/01/writers-corner-accessibility-more-readers/. […]
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for sharing Kevin. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are welcome. It was an informative article about an important subject which needs to be brought to the attention of people.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you for sharing, Michael. 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for mentioning this very important topic and discussing what at least all writing people can make better for others. Best wishes, Michael
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m glad that you found this post valuable, Michael. It is important and I am happy to help spread the word.
LikeLiked by 2 people
[…] https://writingtoberead.com/2023/05/01/writers-corner-accessibility-more-readers/ […]
LikeLiked by 3 people
😘 Thanks for sharing, Patty. Not only this post, but all the good information.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, it’s a pleasure to share.
The National Library Services fo the Blind and Print Disabled is still providing the “Talking Book” program you mentioned your grandmother receiving books from. Now, we have digital books rather than clunky records and tapes and even have an app on our Apple devices with which to download and read thousands of books for free. Sadly, there are not as many Indie authors among the catalog of thousands of titles and I’m hoping to help change that as well. Though authors don’t get paid for having their books there, blind persons are going to look for other books by authors they find there, for there’s no way to get all one’s books there as the NLS only allots so much many for this portion of their program and of course, we also buy books for family and friends as gifts.
If anyone is interested in learning more they may go to: NLS.gov
Something to note, it is not only blind and visually challenged persons who qualify for this service so be sure to check it out because you or someone you know may qualify and not be aware.
I read books from Kindle, Smashwords, NLS and Audible. Currently I’m reading four books. Two from NLS, one from Audible and another from Kindle.
Also, keep in mind there are tons of blind and Visually challenged authors as well.
Thanks again.
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂 ❤
LikeLike
I must say a lot of my money goes to Audible every month lol and I also must say that Kendall gets another big chunk. I do not just rely on the MLS program for many reasons they don’t always have everything I want sometimes the narrators are not great and sometimes I just want to support my fellow authors, and buy a book.
Patty Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works as an author and social media marketing assistant.
Learn more at: http://www.pattysworlds.com
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Kaye and all.
Thanks so much for this post. I learned things about you too. Blue and I just got home, so Iâll be along to read and respond to any questions you all might have as soon as I have lunch.
PS. I didnât write the âLife of a Blind Girl articleâ I just put it onto the blog. I learned a ton from it though. Tech is always changing so, just about the time we figure it out itâll be time to learn something new.
Thanks and have a super day.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I was quite happy to do what I can to raise awareness for this important issue. As authors, we need to do whatever we can to extend our reach. No one wants to exclude a huge audience of potential readers if they can help it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Kaye, your efforts are much appreciated.
One more thing, I forgot to mention, Mobi files do not seem to have Text to Speech enabled as regular eBooks do at least so far in my experience. So, when sending a book to someone to review, Etc. make sure the TTS (Text to Speech) is enabled or ask if they’d rather have a PDF or Word Doc.
Just another piece of info.
Again, many thanks. A nice blessing to begin this new week after such a horrible week last having just gone by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe that mobi files may be a thing of the past anyway. Amazon will no longer convert them. Now they are accepting epub and a special Kindle file, I think. These may be more amiable to text to speech. I don’t know. But I say good riddance to mobi.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Patty. You are right about text to speech being enabled by default on Kindle titles. Authors do not need to tick a specific box to enable it. As you say, Alexa also reads Kindle titles. I sometimes listen to them using my Alexa. In addition Alexa reads content purchased from Audible and this is my prefered way of listening to it. I’m currently reading George Eliot’s Adam Bede. Best wishes. Kevin
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I love that Alexa reads audible. My apartment is small enough I can turn that on and hear it all over the house.
Thanks for the answer about text to speech. I hope Liz and others saw this comment.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hang on a minute Kevin, do you mean that we do not have to turn on TTS to read or that authors publishing do not need to enable?
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kaye, a lovely article. I’ve been making an effort to make my blogs more accessible too.
LikeLiked by 3 people
You too are doing a great job and the pics for Treasures were amazing. I love sharing them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Patty. That was the first accessible book I ever did. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You did well all of you. I am catching up on comments now and will answer them as I come to them.
Patty Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works as an author and social media marketing assistant.
Learn more at: http://www.pattysworlds.com
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLike
As a visually impaired reader and author myself, I most definitely appreciate the fact you are taking the time to learn ways to make your content more accessible. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It’s my pleasure, Tori. You are one of the visually impaired authors I’ve worked with which made me feel the changes to my content are necessary. I would never wish to exclude you or anyone else, but I fear I have in the past because I didn’t realize. I’m working on it a little at a time, but don’t hesitate if I’ve missed a page or a post, because this site is pretty image heavy, so it’s a lot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is the reason I keep my websites very simple and always use alt text on images. I’ve seen websites with all the bells and whistles that make me dizzy and I can’t imagine what a mess it would be for someone using a reading app.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do not mind a busy website as long as I can navigate and read what is on the screen heading navigation is a good thing as well as all text and clearly defined links. One thing that really bugs me when I visit a website or when links are not defined when all I can hear from my screen reader is link link link and the link is not defined to state what that link is it is extremely annoying. I one time enjoyed an entire blog post only to discover that the sharing links did not state what they were in, so I had no idea what I was clicking until I had done so that turned me off that blog I unfollowed it and never went back because when I reached out to the blogger who owned that site, they were non-receptive so I said goodbye good luck and good riddance
Patty Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works as an author and social media marketing assistant. Learn more at: http://www.pattysworlds.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Setting up headings for proper navigation is another step I have taken with my content, Patty. Until reading “Content For Everyone”, I didn’t realize this was an issue, and I was doing it all wrong. I hope that you notice easier navigation when you visit my site now.
You have made me curious about links, because I often embed them in descriptive text, and now I’m wondering how this system works for visually impaired. Is method proper, or is there a better way? I’ll have to go back and reread.
LikeLike
Hi Kaye, let me know if this doesnât copy.
Hereâs something to help with your links.
Part of this is instructional for screen reader users to do links but the creation process works for all.
Your site is getting better every minute.
Creating Links and Copying with Jaws
By: Casey Mathews (WebFriendlyHelp)
Website: https://webfriendlyhelp.com
Editorâs Note
Link placement is as follows for instructional purposes.
Creating Links
The following steps will work in Outlook, Word, and on WordPress.
Copy the web address that you want to serve as the link. Example https://webfriendlyhelp.com
In your document, email, or post write how you want the link to appear. In my case Iâll write Visit my site.
Select the words, Visit my Site. To do this via the keyboard navigate to the word visit by using control left/right arrow keys. Once you are on the word visit, press control shift right arrow to select the words visit, my, site.
Press control k. This will bring up the insert link screen.
Paste the web address that you copied before.
Press enter.
Your link will appear as: Visit My Site.
Resolving copying issues with JAWS
Sometimes what can happen for JAWS users is that copying from a website such as your blog, the formatted text isnât copied correctly. Next, Iâll show you how this can be resolved.
Open your browser such as Firefox, chrome, or edge etc.
Press Insert v, caps lock v if using a laptop keyboard layout.
Type the word copy
Arrow down.
You will either have select and copy from virtual cursor, or select and copy full content using on screen highlight.
If you hear the virtual cursor choice, press space bar to select the highlight option. You should now hear JAWS say full content using on screen highlight.
If you already have this option selected you can just press escape twice to close the jaws quick settings screen.
Now press Enter two times to close the JAWS quick settings screen.
You should now be able to copy formatted text into and out of various places with all the fancy formatting intact.
Questions?
Email: help@webfriendlyhelp.com help@webfriendlyhelp.com
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s good to hear, Jaq. I hope this post helps to make more authors aware. I didn’t even know that there were things I could do to make content accessible until quite recently. I am a very visual person and enjoy creating images for my content, so rather than simplify, I will adapt, even though it may take a while. It’s one of those tasks that may never be done, but as long as I’m making progress. Thanks for visiting and commenting. ☺️
LikeLike
Hi Kaye, I wouldnât worry so much about whatâs already on the site. Work on it as you are able. Iâd concentrate more on doing it as you post from here forward. Once you get into the habit youâll do it without thought.
My goal is to just make it part of the every-day world.
As far as busy goes, have a look at my site sometime Jack, I have quite a bit going on there but making it simple and allowing it to have whatever is wanted or needed by the blogger accessible is OK with me.
Everyoneâs style is different so Iâm fairly flexible. I just donât want to hear graphic label every time I run across some graphic and if I see a link I would like it to be identified.
But itâs not just blind or low vision persons who have issue. Some people are color blind, so people also need to think about their siteâs themes, background, font, Etc.
Itâs a lot to learn about so for me, the fact that this conversation is happening is a true treasure to me.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I realize that headings and alt text are just two small, although maybe not so small steps which can be taken.
I’m not trying to convert old blog posts, but my blog is connected to the whole WordCrafter site. Static pages which do need to be accessible. I’m getting there, but still have a ways to go. Last weekend I tried to do all the individual book pages, but the WordCrafter Press catalog images still need alt text. It’s a job, but I’ll get it done eventually.
I’m told I should redesign the whole site with a different style, but my site is an expression of my personality, and I’m not sure I’m ready to let that go yet.
LikeLike
Hi, Kaye.
In the ACB (American Council of the Blind) community we’ve a saying, “You do you.” You’ll decide what style the site needs and what it doesn’t.
I just recently updated mine but it was long overdue. There were broken archive post links, and other problems which were causing trouble.
You’ll get there.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the encouragement, Patty. Yes, I will get there. 🙂
LikeLike
One thing I noted after I updated the format and theme of my site, I’m starting to get more visitors and even some comments.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to know. Thanks for all the info. Patty. 🙂
LikeLike
No problem. You’re welcome.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Kim's Musings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the reblog.
About Patty L. Fletcher
Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.
Follow her at: https://pattysworlds.com/ https://pattysworlds.com/ for stories, book updates and more.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for sharing, Kim. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person