ZAC Browser (Zone for Autistic Children) is a web browser designed specifically for children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorders, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and

PDD-NOS A pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (Including atypical autism) (PDD-NOS) is one of four disorders which were collapsed into the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in the DSM-5 and also was one of the five disorders clas ...

. Because autistic children display characteristics such as impairments in social interaction, impairments in communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior, the standard browser experience can often be overwhelming. The ZAC browser reduces the number of user interface controls and removes access to much of the

Web Web most often refers to: * Spider web, a silken structure created by the animal * World Wide Web or the Web, an Internet-based hypertext system Web, WEB, or the Web may also refer to: Computing * WEB, a literate programming system created by ...

in order to simplify the experience for autistic children. ZAC was available as a free download for Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/7, but is no longer maintained.

History

John LeSieur had a grandson named Zack who was diagnosed with severe autism at the age of 3. Because of the autism, the child was often very frustrated when using the computer. LeSieur owned People CD Inc., a software production company, and released a web browser for children called KidCD in 2006. KidCD proved helpful for Zack, as he was able to use the computer on his own. In 2008, KidCD 2.0 was released and added a feature that automatically switched icons on the screen. This feature was problematic for autistic children, who generally prefer very organized displays. LeSieur then developed an alternative version of KidCD 2.0, called ZAC Browser, which added

aquarium An aquarium (plural: ''aquariums'' or ''aquaria'') is a vivarium of any size having at least one transparent side in which aquatic plants or animals are kept and displayed. Fishkeepers use aquaria to keep fish, invertebrates, amphibians, aq ...

graphics to the main page along with stationary icons. The specialty browser was designed to enable children with autism to use and benefit from the same types of websites other children use, including Sesame Street and

PBS Kids PBS Kids is the brand for most of the children's programming aired by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in the United States. Some public television children's programs are not produced by PBS member stations or transmitted by PBS. Instead, ...

System requirements

References

External links

*
Review of ZAC browser by PC World, Kim Saccio-KentPeople CD
{{DEFAULTSORT:ZAC Browser Software for children Web accessibility Web browsers Windows-only freeware

History

System requirements

See also

References

External links