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Web Accessibility pp 215–229Cite as

Browser Augmentation

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Part of the book series: Human-Computer Interaction Series ((HCIS))

Abstract

In this chapter we examine ways of programmatically expanding the functionality of conventional browsers. We consider various mechanisms for creating extensions and add-ons in Internet Explorer and Firefox and briefly review other browsers. We explore some existing browser extensions. The focus is on accessibility extensions, but some prominent other examples of browser extensions are also mentioned. Information for using and creating various types of extensions is presented. Finally, the usefulness of browser extensions compared with other accessibility enablement options for the Web is considered.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    http://www.firevox.clcworld.net/

  2. 2.

    http://www.opera.com/products/desktop/voice/

  3. 3.

    http://www.freedomscientific.com/fs_products/JAWS_HQ.asp

  4. 4.

    http://www.gwmicro.com/Window-Eyes/

  5. 5.

    http://www.w3.org

  6. 6.

    http://www.w3.org/WAI

  7. 7.

    http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/wcag.php

  8. 8.

    http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/uaag.php

  9. 9.

    Unfortunately, although many add-ons are harmless, malware writers have used these techniques to spread spyware and monitor browser activity. Users need to be aware of the add-ons that are installed. These can be managed from IE by selecting Manage Add-Ons on the Tools menu.

  10. 10.

    http://firefox.cita.uiuc.edu/index.php

  11. 11.

    http://www.mozilla.org/unix/customizing.html#usercss

  12. 12.

    http://developer.mozilla.org/en/docs/Using_the_Stylesheet_Service

  13. 13.

    https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/themes/

  14. 14.

    http://developer.mozilla.org/en/docs/Themes

  15. 15.

    http://pimpmysafari.com/

  16. 16.

    http://developer.apple.com/documentation/InternetWeb/Conceptual/WebKit_PluginProgTopic/Concepts/AboutPlugins.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/30001248-206518

  17. 17.

    http://devworld.apple.com/documentation/InternetWeb/Conceptual/WebKit_PluginProgTopic/WebKit_PluginProgTopic.pdf

  18. 18.

    http://devworld.apple.com/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/DisplayWebContent/WebKit_DisplayWebContent.pdf

  19. 19.

    http://www.opera.com/support/tutorials/stylesheets/

  20. 20.

    http://www.opera.com/support/tutorials/userjs/

  21. 21.

    http://www.opera.com/docs/plugins/

  22. 22.

    http://firefox.cita.uiuc.edu/index.php

  23. 23.

    http://www.w3.org/WAI/EO/Drafts/bcase/Overview

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. IBM, T.J. Waston Research Center, Hawtharne, NY, USA

    Vicki L. Hanson

Authors
  1. Vicki L. Hanson
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  2. John T. Richards
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  3. Cal Swart
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Vicki L. Hanson .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Manchester, UK

    Simon Harper  & Yeliz Yesilada  & 

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© 2008 Springer-Verlag London Limited

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Hanson, V.L., Richards, J.T., Swart, C. (2008). Browser Augmentation. In: Harper, S., Yesilada, Y. (eds) Web Accessibility. Human-Computer Interaction Series. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84800-050-6_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84800-050-6_13

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-84800-049-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-84800-050-6

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

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