By Robert Taylor
The City of Boerne recently launched a new tool that aims to provide an inclusive, barrier-free experience and empower all website visitors to access online content.
As part of the City’s commitment to providing accessible digital communications, website visitors are now able to access a wide range of accessibility and language support tools to customize their digital experience through Recite Me assistive technology.
“In the same way the City of Boerne strives to provide its residents with accessible physical infrastructure like sidewalks and ramps, we are also dedicated to providing accessible digital experiences,” Communications Director Chris Shadrock said. “We are excited to bring the Recite Me accessibility toolbar to our residents to ensure everyone can access the online content they need.”
More than 25 percent of the population encounters barriers to Internet access due to disabilities, learning difficulties, visual impairment, or if they speak a language other than English.
The Recite Me assistive toolbar includes screen reading functionality, multiple reading aids, customizable styling options, and an on-demand live translation feature that boasts over 100 languages including 65 text-to-speech and styling options. When the toolbar is activated, users can:
- Listen to the website using text-to-speech functionality
- Customize background, text, and accessibility tool colors
- Modify the font, line height, or spacing of text
- Zoom in up to 200% without text spilling off the screen
- The text will reflow in a single column when you change the size of your browser window
- Navigate the website using just a keyboard
- Translate the website into a different language
- Download mp3 files of web page text
- View website pages in text-only mode
Recite Me has been implemented on the City’s two primary websites and is available on both mobile and desktop.
To explore the new accessibility support tool, click the accessibility icon in the lower right corner on MyBoerneNews.com or the lower left corner on the City of Boerne’s main website. A full user guide is also available online.
The Internet can be an intimidating place for those with access barriers. Those lacking the tools they need to adequately understand or communicate are at a significant disadvantage.
“It is important to provide an inclusive online experience, where everyone can use our digital world in a way in which best suits their needs,” said Ross Linnett, Recite Me’s founder and CEO. “As more organizations provide accessibility tools online, those who face online barriers can access information and services hassle-free. The digital world must be accessible for all.”
The work of website and digital accessibility is an ongoing process as the City works to meet and exceed federal accessibility requirements. If you experience any difficulty in accessing the City’s website content, please email the Communications Department.
Learn more about accessibility.
