Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Help with computers and low vision. (self.Blind)
submitted by 1ird
Hi all. I've posted here before a while ago but I came here with a new question. Does anyone know of the best way to make webpages more readable without destroying their layout? I have recently been diagnosed with a cataract (on top of my already poor vision) and it has become increasingly hard to read most pages online due to their color choices. Any suggestions that could possibly make my life a little easier in this regard would be great.
impablomations 4 points 6y ago
I use a Chrome plugin called High Contrast
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/high-contrast/djcfdncoelnlbldjfhinnjlhdjlikmph?hl=en
You get a few options.
Invert colours, increase contrast, make everything yellow on black, grayscale, inverted grayscale.
Works pretty well on most websites.
On Reddit I use the RES plugin and have Nightmode activated which makes the site white text on a very dark gray background. I used this setting long before I even had my sight loss as it makes Reddit so much more easy on the eyes and readable.
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/high-contrast/djcfdncoelnlbldjfhinnjlhdjlikmph?hl=en
You get a few options.
Invert colours, increase contrast, make everything yellow on black, grayscale, inverted grayscale.
Works pretty well on most websites.
On Reddit I use the RES plugin and have Nightmode activated which makes the site white text on a very dark gray background. I used this setting long before I even had my sight loss as it makes Reddit so much more easy on the eyes and readable.
1ird [OP] 2 points 6y ago
I just wanted to come back and say this is exactly what I was looking for. The extra contrast setting works perfect in every situation I've tried so far. Thank you kind sir/ma'am
Terry_Pie 2 points 6y ago
The High Contrast plugin for Chrome has had its ups and downs, but the current version of Chrome and the plugin work well.
Personally I just use Windows high contrast and run Firefox. The only time I boot Chrome is for Google Maps.
Basically the Windows high contrast setting doesn't apply to Google Maps, but it doesn't apply to images etc either. Whereas the High Contrast Extension for Chrome does apply to Google Maps (this was broken for quite some time, but is currently working) but also applies to images (making them inverted, or greyscale, or whatever you have set).
I recommend using both and finding out works best for you because no single option is perfect.
Personally I just use Windows high contrast and run Firefox. The only time I boot Chrome is for Google Maps.
Basically the Windows high contrast setting doesn't apply to Google Maps, but it doesn't apply to images etc either. Whereas the High Contrast Extension for Chrome does apply to Google Maps (this was broken for quite some time, but is currently working) but also applies to images (making them inverted, or greyscale, or whatever you have set).
I recommend using both and finding out works best for you because no single option is perfect.
1ird [OP] 1 points 6y ago
Night mode in RES is pretty good. I use it all the time. I'll try that plugin though. If you're on Windows 7+ pressing Win key and + or - enable the magnifier (which can be set to full screen and follow the mouse). It has a invert colors mode but that is hard on the eyes after a while depending on what I'm reading. Thanks :D
tymme 2 points 6y ago
>that is hard on the eyes after a while depending on what I'm reading
Inverting to white-on-black is hard on your eyes? Odd, I've always had the opposite. I always run high contrast black with white text.
Inverting to white-on-black is hard on your eyes? Odd, I've always had the opposite. I always run high contrast black with white text.
1ird [OP] 1 points 6y ago
Inverted colors, not black on white.
tymme 2 points 6y ago
I guess I put them hand-in-hand (inverted colors and browser plugin to do similar). I definitely prefer the setup for Win10 vs Win7 (where I have to use inverted colors with magnifier to get full-screen magnify), but overall it's not too bad and with the inversion shortcut it's easy to switch back and forth if I need to see 'real' colors.
-shacklebolt- 2 points 6y ago
I recommend downloading the trial mode of Zoomtext magnifier reader (free for 60 days) and trying out the color and magnification options as well as the reading tools and seeing how that works out for you.
It's expensive if you decide you like it ($400 for the magnifier, $600 with reader,) but there's often a way to get some funding for it too. The "reader" tools can be especially helpful with low vision when you get eye strain after staring at high contrast for hours.
It's expensive if you decide you like it ($400 for the magnifier, $600 with reader,) but there's often a way to get some funding for it too. The "reader" tools can be especially helpful with low vision when you get eye strain after staring at high contrast for hours.
1ird [OP] 1 points 6y ago
I don't have $900 to spend on software but I will definitely look into it. It's a shame there aren't many open source options for us. Seems like something that community would be all over.
-shacklebolt- 2 points 6y ago
Well, it's $400 to $600 for what that's worth. Many people get their license through school, vocational rehabilitation, employers, etc. If you are in the US your state's assistive technology program might have people who can get you funding sources as well. I don't know what the case this year will be with all the mergers, but I believe in previous years companies have offered this type of software at deep discounts at NFB and I believe ACB national conventions if you happen to be going or know someone who is.
There are free and open source screen magnifiers, they're just all terrible relative to the commercial options as far as I've seen. The top free and open source project worth mentioning in this area is NVDA, which is excellent screen reading only (but not magnification.)
There are free and open source screen magnifiers, they're just all terrible relative to the commercial options as far as I've seen. The top free and open source project worth mentioning in this area is NVDA, which is excellent screen reading only (but not magnification.)
1ird [OP] 2 points 6y ago
I quite like the magnifier built into windows. I use it a lot. If you change it to full screen/follow cursor it works pretty well.
-shacklebolt- 1 points 6y ago
It has the text enhancement, focus, and color settings you might be looking for that are not part of windows mag. That's why I suggested a trial.
tymme 1 points 6y ago
Same here. The only time I've ever needed/used ZoomText was prior to Windows 7 when full-screen Windows Magnifier wasn't an option..
snow671 2 points 6y ago
Firefox has a setting under Options > Content to change the default font, font size, and font color. You can select an option to override a website's settings.
1ird [OP] 2 points 6y ago
I was more looking for something to alter contrast on pages. Another user suggested a chrome plugin that pretty much does what I was looking for. I appreciate the input though, your kindness will not be forgotten.
tymme 2 points 6y ago
Firefox will also detect if you use a high-contrast setting in Windows and apply a high-contrast theme. I use the Change Colors plugin for Chrome (the High Contrast plugin was pretty underdeveloped back when I tried it), but this overrides some images that Firefox does not.
Between the Windows high contrast, Windows Magnifier, and Firefox or Change Colors in Chrome, I run into very few issues.
Between the Windows high contrast, Windows Magnifier, and Firefox or Change Colors in Chrome, I run into very few issues.
snow671 2 points 6y ago
Sorry about that! I'm glad you found something that worked.
1ird [OP] 2 points 6y ago
No need for apologies. I'm just glad people were nice enough to respond.
I hope you have a great day/night! :D
I hope you have a great day/night! :D
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