Accessibility for Library Resources: Getting Started

Many of the databases available for KU Libraries users follow the standards of 29 U.S.C. 794d (more commonly known as Section 508 of the US Rehabilitation Act) and/or use Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as part of the accessibility verification process.

In this guide, you will find a selection of the accessibility features in the databases, ebooks and other resources we make available. Please contact the Libraries if you have questions about any of the Libraries' resources.

A number of basic accessibility functions should be available across most devices:

Text Resizing

Most modern browsers will allow you to resize text with a keyboard shortcut.

Windows:

Hold down the CTRL key and press + to increase text size. Use CTRL and - to reduce text size.

Mac OS:

Hold down the Command key and press + to increase text size. Use Command and - to reduce text size.

General Purpose Screen Readers

General purpose screen reading software is available for most common desktop operating systems. Popular options include:

NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) - Windows

NVDA is a free and open source screen reader for Microsoft Windows, published by NV Access.

Job Access With Speech (JAWS) - Windows

JAWS is a paid-access screen reader for Windows published by Freedom Scientific.

Apple VoiceOver - MacOS and iOS

Apple VoiceOver is a screen reader bundled into MacOS and iOS devices.

ChromeVox - ChromeOS

ChromeVox is a screen reader built into ChromeOS. It can be activated at any time by pressing CTRL + ALT + z.

TalkBack - Android

TalkBack is a built-in screen reader for Android devices. TalkBack can be enabled by navigating to the Settings menu and selecting Accessibility -> Talk Back, and then selecting Use TalkBack.

Special Note: Screen Readers and Linux

Many Linux distributions will support the GUI screen reader Orca (designed for the Gnome desktop environment) and the terminal screen reader SpeakUp. Unfortunately, some users report instability when switching between the screen reading softwares, so your mileage may vary.