So I did a search on accessibility features for the Amazon Kindle, and found an Accessibility Plugin for Kindle for PC that includes text to speech, voice navigation, larger font sizes, high contrast modes, and more. It is compatible with screenreaders such as JAWS and NVDA.
I did an earlier post around this time last year on Kindle accessibility features that you might want to check out. It is amazing how much has changed over the course of a year. That includes both quality and price.
You can also visit the Accessibility Shortcuts page for a list of Kindle keyboard shortcuts. This makes navigation easier to use for those who can’t use the toggle button very well.
The Kindle device itself has made strides over the past couple of years to make it more accessible for people with visual impairments. Last year they introduced larger font sizes, which have been very helpful, and some books include an audio feature depending on whether the publisher allows it or not. The Kindle 3 has a much better display contrast between text and background than its successors.
As a partially sighted Kindle user, I have to say, the Kindle has drastically changed my reading experience. No more large, cumbersome books to hold right at my face. It is so light, portable, and much more comfortable to hold.
After reading my Kindle with a larger font size, I have a harder time switching back to regular books. My eyes get tired a lot quicker if I try to read the small print in a regular book. The text and background contrast is much greater on a Kindle as well.
For more about Kindle Accessibility, and other interesting accessibility news, visit the Accessibility and Technology Blog.
Sadly, the URL for the “Accessibility Plugin” leads to a page that Amazon.com says does not exist. Would you please double-check the accuracy of that URL?