IBM Web Adaptation Tool (WAT) Making the Web easier to use IBM PCIG April 14, Product of the Year Gold Award of Honor

History & Purpose Created by IBM Research Web accessibility expertsCreated by IBM Research Web accessibility experts Makes the Web easier to use and navigate for older adults and people with disabilitiesMakes the Web easier to use and navigate for older adults and people with disabilities Helps bridge the ‘digital divide’Helps bridge the ‘digital divide’

Function Dynamically adapts Web content for easier viewing & readingDynamically adapts Web content for easier viewing & reading Disabilities addressedDisabilities addressed –Vision impairment (normal, aging, low vision) –Limited hand use (arthritis, tremors, partial paralysis) –Cognitive impairments (reading or attention difficulties)

Features Reconfigures keyboardReconfigures keyboard Reads aloud paragraphs & single wordsReads aloud paragraphs & single words Magnifies pagesMagnifies pages Magnifies pointers & browser controlsMagnifies pointers & browser controls Changes page layoutsChanges page layouts –Reformats without removing content Enhances text –Enlarges fonts –Banner text (very large) for low vision –Letter & line spacing –Increases contrast (color) –Font style changes –Background removal Enhances images –Enlarges & sharpens –Stops animations

Personalization Users can set and save preferencesUsers can set and save preferences –Accommodates individual needs based on any number or combination of features –Settings are saved on a project server (retrieved on login) Individual ID/password enables use on any computer with the downloaded softwareIndividual ID/password enables use on any computer with the downloaded software

Pilot Program Results Successful two-year pilot test with SeniorNet, a national U.S. not-for-profit organizationSuccessful two-year pilot test with SeniorNet, a national U.S. not-for-profit organization –IBM Research experts provided additional development & enhancement –Overwhelmingly embraced by participating seniors & volunteers –Became an integral tool for greater, more efficient use of the Web

Availability Available only through IBM Corporate Community Relations grants program (must meet grant criteria)Available only through IBM Corporate Community Relations grants program (must meet grant criteria) –Requires substantial commitment by participating not-for- profit organizations (IRS 501c3 charities) Eligible Organizations include those serving large numbers of people with:Eligible Organizations include those serving large numbers of people with: –Low income or limited educational opportunities –Disabilities, limited mobility, adults seeking employment –Limited computer skills, Internet access or English skills

System Requirements Computer with Windows 98, ME, 2000 or XPComputer with Windows 98, ME, 2000 or XP The Microsoft IE browser, version 5.5 or higher (may also need Microsoft Java Virtual Machine)The Microsoft IE browser, version 5.5 or higher (may also need Microsoft Java Virtual Machine) 125 MB Memory (256 MB recommended for WinXP)125 MB Memory (256 MB recommended for WinXP) 10 MB free on your hard drive for the software10 MB free on your hard drive for the software An active Internet connection (you must know how to get connected if it is not always on)An active Internet connection (you must know how to get connected if it is not always on) Optimized for screen resolution of 800 x 600 pixelsOptimized for screen resolution of 800 x 600 pixels –Works well at higher resolutions (e.g., 1024 x 768 pixels) –Lower resolutions (e.g., 640 x 480 pixels) are not supported.

System Requirements (cont’d) To use the Speak Text function you must:To use the Speak Text function you must: –Be able to hear sounds on your computer through either external or built-in speakers or headphones –Have an additional 284 MB free on the hard drive for IBM's ViaVoice™ TTS engine To use the Mouse Key function you must: –Have a keyboard that has a separate numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard (allows you to use the keyboard instead of a mouse)

Software Downloads Main Project PageMain Project Page – (all downloads & user info) –WAT program about 2.5 MB, MS Java about 5 MB –Optional Text-To-Speech (TTS) downloads about 5 MB –PACER installation CD (has everything, launches automatically) User ID/password needed for downloadsUser ID/password needed for downloads – Jeff Stevens with: Your name, address, ID & password desiredYour name, address, ID & password desired –Getting help: Call PACER at for support