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	The DRM Guide to Disability Resources on the Internet
	Low Vision Access
	Updated 3/7/2000
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Viewers with low vision who are using a graphic browser can often increase the font size and enhance the color contrast on their viewing screen from within their browser. These changes will be reflected on all of the web sites they visit, and will remain in effect each time the user logs onto the Internet. Here are tips for popular browsers. If your browser is not covered on this page, check the instruction manual or help files.

 

• Internet Explorer 5
• Netscape Navigator 4
• Netscape 3

 

Internet Explorer 5

 

TO CHANGE THE SIZE OF THE TYPE

• Go to the "View" menu and choose "Text size."
• Select the size you want, from smallest to largest.
• Now go to the "Tools" Menu.
• Choose "Internet Options."
• Choose the "Accessibility" tab.
• Choose "ignore font sizes specified on web pages."
• Click OK.

 

TO CHANGE THE BACKGROUND, TEXT AND LINKS COLORS:

• Go to the "Tools" Menu.
• Choose "Internet Options."
• Choose the "General" tab.
• Click the "Colors" button on the bottom.
• If the "use Windows colors" box is checked, click on it to uncheck it.
• Select the color background and text you prefer. For example, you may prefer a black background with white text.
• Select the color links you prefer, such as yellow.
• Click OK.
• Now go to the "Accessibility" tab
• Click "Ignore colors specified on web pages."
• Click OK.

 

TO CHANGE THE FONT STYLE:

• Click the "Fonts" button on the bottom.
• Select your preferred font from the web page font menu.
• Click OK.
• Now go to the "Accessibility" tab and click "Ignore font styles specified on web pages."
• Click OK.

 

Netscape Navigator 4

 

TO CHANGE THE SIZE OF THE FONT:  

• Go to the "Edit" menu.
• Select "Preferences."
• In the "Category" box, select Appearance > Fonts.
• Select the variable width and/or fixed width font that you prefer.
• Select the type size you prefer.
• Select "use my default fonts, overriding document-specified fonts."
• Click OK.

 

TO CHANGE THE BACKGROUND, TEXT AND LINKS COLORS:

• Go to the "Edit" menu.
• Select "Preferences."
• In the "Category" box, select Appearance > Colors.
• If there is a check next to "Use windows colors," click it to deselct the check.
• Choose the text, background and links colors that you prefer.
• Select "always use my colors, overriding document."
• Click OK.

 

Netscape 3

 

TO CHANGE THE SIZE OF THE FONT:

• Go to the "Options" menu.
• Choose "General Preferences."
• Choose "Fonts."
• Look for the two "Choose Size" buttons, one for proportionally spaced type and one for fixed width fonts.
• Select the "Size" buttons for both options, and choose the size that best meets your needs.

 

TO CHANGE THE BACKGROUND, TEXT AND LINK COLORS:

• Go to the "Options" menu.
• Choose "General Preferences."
• Choose "Colors."
• Under "Color Control," select "always use mine."
• Decide what color scheme is best for you. For example, you may wish to choose light colors for your text and links (white, yellow, etc.) on a dark background (black, dark blue, etc.), or vice-versa.
• Under "Use My Colors For," select the colors that you want your links, followed links, and text to appear appear in.
• Under "Background," select "Custom"; then choose the color you want your background to appear in. You may wish to click the "browse" button to review your options.
• Click "OK."