How to Enable Accessibility Features on Opera

Are you looking to improve your browsing experience by enabling accessibility features on Opera? Look no further - this article will guide you on how to enable and configure these features to improve your web browsing experience.

Understanding Opera's Accessibility Features

Before diving into how to enable Opera's accessibility features, it's important to understand the significance and importance of web accessibility. Web accessibility refers to designing and developing websites that can be used by a diverse range of users, including those with disabilities. Opera's accessibility features aim to make web browsing easier and more accessible for users with disabilities.

The Importance of Web Accessibility

Web accessibility is essential in helping individuals with disabilities to access the web. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 15% of the global population experiences some form of disability. Additionally, many individuals may experience temporary disabilities, such as a broken arm or hearing loss due to a cold.

By enabling accessibility features, Opera helps users with disabilities to navigate websites, communicate with others online, and access information with ease.

Overview of Opera's Accessibility Features

Opera has built-in accessibility features that can be easily enabled to improve your browsing experience. In addition, there are also several extensions available that cater to specific accessibility needs.

Opera's built-in accessibility features include:

• Adjustable font sizes and zoom levels

• Reader mode that removes visual clutter

• Keyboard shortcuts for easy navigation

• Customizable appearance to suit individual needs

In the next sections, we will explore how to enable and configure these features according to your needs.

Enabling Built-in Accessibility Features

To enable Opera's built-in accessibility features, follow these steps:

1. Open Opera.

2. Click on the "Menu" button on the top left corner of the window.

3. Select "Settings".

4. In the left-hand sidebar, select "Advanced".

5. Under "Accessibility", toggle the switch next to the feature you wish to enable.

Once you have enabled the necessary features, you'll notice an immediate improvement in your browsing experience. Here's a closer look at some of the most commonly used features:

Adjusting Font Size and Zoom Levels

Opera gives users the flexibility to adjust font size and zoom levels to make browsing easier for them. To do this, go to "Settings" > "Advanced" > "Accessibility" and toggle the switch next to "Page zoom" and "Font size."

This allows you to zoom in on a webpage or adjust the font size, making it easier to read and navigate the content.

Enabling Reader Mode

Reader mode simplifies webpages by removing visual clutter such as ads, images, and menus, making it easier to focus on the content. To enable reader mode, click on the "Reader" button in the address bar when you're on a website.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts allow users to navigate and interact with webpages more easily. Here are some commonly used keyboard shortcuts on Opera:

• Alt + Left Arrow: Go back to the previous page

• Alt + Right Arrow: Go forward to the next page

• Spacebar: Scroll down one screen at a time

• Shift + Spacebar: Scroll up one screen at a time

• Ctrl + F: Search for a keyword on the current page

Customizing Opera's Appearance

In addition to adjusting font size and zoom levels, Opera also allows users to customize the browser's appearance to suit their individual needs. To do this, go to "Settings" > "Basic" > "Themes". Here, you can customize the fonts, colors, and background of the browser.

Installing Accessibility Extensions

In addition to Opera's built-in accessibility features, you can also install accessibility extensions to further customize and enhance your browsing experience. Here's how you can find and install extensions:

Finding and Installing Extensions

To find and install extensions, follow these steps:

1. Click on the "Menu" button on the top left corner of the window.

2. Select "Extensions".

3. Click "Get more extensions".

4. Use the search bar to find the relevant accessibility extension.

5. Click "Add to Opera" to install the extension.

Recommended Accessibility Extensions for Opera

Here are some highly recommended accessibility extensions for Opera:

• Just Read: Simplifies webpages for easier reading.

• OpenDyslexic: Changes font style to make reading easier for dyslexic individuals.

• Dark Reader: Inverts colors to make browsing easier on the eyes.

• Sticky Notes: Allows you to take notes on webpages.

Configuring Opera for Screen Readers

Screen readers are assistive technology devices that convert text from a webpage into speech or braille, allowing individuals with visual impairments to access web content. Here's how to configure Opera for screen readers:

Compatible Screen Readers

Opera supports several screen readers, including:

• JAWS for Windows

• NVDA

• Window-Eyes

• VoiceOver

• TalkBack

Adjusting Opera's Settings for Screen Readers

To make Opera more accessible for screen readers, follow these steps:

1. Go to "Settings" > "Advanced" > "Accessibility".

2. Toggle the switch next to "Prevent accessibility services from accessing your browser".

3. Under "Page zoom", select "Zoom text only".

4. Under "User interface animations", select "Reduce motion".

5. Under "Mouse cursor", select "Show location only when moving".

Navigating Opera with Voice Commands

Voice commands are a useful feature for individuals with mobility impairments. Here's how to set up and use voice commands on Opera:

Setting Up Voice Control on Your Device

Before using voice commands, you will need to set up voice control on your device. Here's how:

1. Go to "Settings" > "Advanced" > "Accessibility".

2. Select "Enable voice-controlled browsing".

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up voice control.

Common Voice Commands for Opera

Here are some commonly used voice commands for Opera:

• "Open [website name]"

• "Scroll down" or "Scroll up"

• "Click [link/text]"

• "Switch tab" or "Next tab"

• "Close tab"

Conclusion

In conclusion, Opera's built-in accessibility features and extensions make it a great option for individuals with different accessibility needs. By enabling these features and customizing the browser to your needs, you can have a more comfortable and enjoyable browsing experience. If you have any further questions or issues while enabling these features, don't hesitate to reach out to Opera's support team.