User:Perem/sandbox

Playing MUDs for the blind and visually impared
In an online world that focuses on visual experiences, text-based MUDs rely on an interface practically designed for screen readers. As it is possible to play a MUD using only a text-based interface, text to speech software such as JAWS allow the visually impared to read the screen quickly and efficiently, allowing blind players to play on even footing with the sighted without special treatment.

Sound triggers can be used for actions such as attacks or special events such as when a spell wears off. Aliases can be built that allow the blind person to respond as quickly as an able sighted player.

In addition, clients like VIP-Mud are specifically designed for the blind text gamer. These programs have taken many steps to being quite comfortably accessible and have good support for screen readers and generally include audio triggers as well as other blind friendly features. Other clients such as MUSHclient can be adapted to make them friendly for the visually impared.

Not all MUDs are blind friendly. Some MUDs make extensive use of ascii graphics and which is unreadable by screen readers, and a lot of MUDs lack filters and screen reader friendly modes.