Accessibility

Ways to use VariableVista, current limitations, and how to ask for help.

Updated October 18, 2026

Using the site

• Use Tab and Shift+Tab to move between controls. Use Enter to follow links, and Enter or Space to activate buttons. Standard sliders support the arrow keys.
• Choose English, Español, or 日本語 from the language selector. On model pages, the selector changes the text without resetting the experiment.
• Use your browser’s zoom controls to enlarge the page. On small screens, some wide data tables and scientific diagrams require scrolling.
• The light/dark button changes the color theme. Pause or stop animations where a model provides those controls.

Read aloud

On catalogs and model pages, turn on “Read aloud on hover,” then pause the pointer over text. You can also use Tab to focus passages, or tap text on a touchscreen. Press Esc or the Stop button to stop. Alt+R turns reading on or off.

The reader uses a matching browser voice when one is available. Otherwise, a free browser engine generates speech locally. First use downloads about 420 MB; files are saved when browser storage allows. Older devices may take longer, and some school networks may block the download. No voice installation or speech-service account is needed. The reader reads form labels, not typed answers.

Current limitations

Some map, canvas, and drag-based activities depend on visual or pointer interaction. Charts and PDF worksheets may need an alternative description or format. The read-aloud tool supplements other accessibility tools; it does not provide a complete description of every diagram or replace a screen reader. We have not completed an independent accessibility audit or established full WCAG conformance.

Report a barrier or request a format

Use the Contact page or email contact@variablevista.com. Include the page or model name, what you were trying to do, and your browser or assistive technology if useful. Tell us which format would help. Please do not include confidential student information.

We use this feedback to prioritize fixes and discuss available alternatives. For the web accessibility guidelines, see W3C’s WCAG overview.