Zac Browser was developed by a grandfather of a child with autism to address sensory issues children with autism experience with traditional browsers, such as unexpected pop-ups, sounds, and flashing visuals. Zac Browser provides a consistent interface with soothing navigation, large icons, and locked full-screen browsing of pre-approved websites. It offers educational activities and safety features to allow children with autism an enjoyable computer experience. The document recommends Zac Browser as a free software tool libraries can provide to benefit children with autism.

1. Can Help Libraries Fit the Pieces LIS 557 PowerPoint Exercise Laurie Brasher January 9, 2011

2. Traditional computer browsers can cause difficulty in enjoying computers for children with autism and because of sensory issues. Zac Browser, developed by the grandfather of a child with autism, is the key for fitting the puzzle pieces together to allow affected children an enjoyable and educational experience. Zac Browser, free software, can help libraries provide an invaluable tool for children with autism. 2 LIS 557 1/10/2011

3. Some of the sensory issues with traditional browsers include: Pop ups Actions caused by inadvertent mouse movements Unexpected sounds Flashing visuals 3 LIS 557 1/10/2011

4. Ways Zac Browser addresses sensory issues Applications order is consistent. New features are always added at the end of the existing structure. Right-click mouse function is disabled. Navigation control are consistent. Music, sounds, movement are soothing. Icons are large and graphic as demonstrated by the screenshot on the next slide. 4 LIS 557 1/10/2011

5. Example of Icons 5 LIS 557 1/10/2011

7. Interactive stories

8. Songs

9. Videos

10. GamesLIS 557 1/10/2011 6

11. Safety Features Full-screen with a lock feature to prevent navigation away from the site. Public websites made available are approved for content as well as usability. Outside communication features are blocked. 7 LIS 557 1/10/2011

12. Recommendations and favorable reviews: Associated Press US News and World Report Le Monde ABC News Autism Speaks El Pais eSchool News Actual Download (best software) Softpedia CTV.ca PC World geek.com Solutions Logiciels educatorslog.in Instructify The Boston Globe 8 LIS 557 1/10/2011

13. Download free from http://www.zacbrowser.com/ LIS 557 1/10/2011 9

14. Additional Resources and Information About.com interview with creator http://browsers.about.com/od/allaboutwebbrowsers/a/zacbrowser.htm?p=1 Associated Press YouTube Clip (1 minute, preceded by brief advertisement) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJGncJatGUg Independently produced YouTube Tutorial (6 minutes) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2E8EeJ8x8A LIS 557 1/10/2011 10

15. The End Thanks for your attention Questions? LIS 557 1/10/2011 11