by Florence Boyle

There is no argument that in the past decade or so a digital barrier has emerged between those who feel comfortable with the online world and those who struggle.

Economics drove Open House online, print costs became prohibitive. Less well known is the workload a print edition put on the small Open House team, administratively it was much more complicated and time consuming. It’s important to note that computer manufacturers are integrating more and more accessibility features like reading aloud, enlarging fonts, magnifying certain areas. We can’t return to print but maybe these tips will help.

Logging on

Click on Login button the top right-hand side -use the ‘Forgotten your Account password’ and reset your password from there.

Making the computer read the text to you

If your computer uses Google Chrome -then you can install an extension (free) which will read the text to you. Go to the Google Chrome Store install Read Aloud -it’s just the click of a button – and will be stored in the icon that looks like this -at the top right hand of the screen.

Printer friendly

If you are a Mac user and use Safari as a browser -then you can turn a webpage into a more printer friendly

Click the symbol on the left-hand side-it strips out all the formatting may make it easier to read and you can print if you wish.

Making it bigger

The window header you will be presented with also lets you increase the font size by clicking on the large ‘A’

Final advice

Computers have loads of features to help-find a computer savvy friend/family member to help you discover them.