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itsvicki
itsvicki

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A different kind of introduction to Accessibility

For those of us who are more visual learners - a quick introduction to Accessibility.

Introduction to Accessibility - what is it - transcript at bottom of page

The ability spectrum - we all benefit - transcript at bottom of page

Types of disabilities - transcript at bottom of page

How software creates equal opportunities - transcript at bottom of page

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Transcript

Introducing Accessibility - Ally

What is it?

  • It comes in all shapes & sizes
  • It's necessary & non-negotiable
  • It's an ongoing design requirement
  • It's not limited to physical disabilities
  • It's made up of objective & subjective guidelines
  • It's the right & ability to access the same information

The ability spectrum

From permanent - situation

Permanent - such as legally blind, deaf or physically disabled
-> temporary - such as having an ear infection, broken arm or eye infection
-> -> situational - such as a new parent, at a concert or library

a.k.a we all benefit from accessibility

You can thank accessibility for..

  • ...those handy next stop reminders on the bus & train
  • ...those captions so you can still watch the news in a noisy bar
  • ...those extra page hits because search engines discovered your transcripts

Types of disabilities

  • Colour-blind / blind / low vision
  • Deafblind / deaf
  • Cognitive / speech / reading / seizures
  • Motor / multiple disabilities

Software + assistive technology

We all live in a pretty incredible time where software creates equal opportunities when creators simply follow standards

Application [in/output]
[in/output] transformed into an accessibility tree [in/output]
[in/output] assistive technology [in/output]
[in/output] user [in/output]

screen readers are the most commonly discussed assistive technology
...but there is also technology to translate into/from braille display
...magnify text
...head wands, mouth sticks & oversized trackball mouse
...single switch & sip-and-puff switch
...adaptive keyboard
...eye-tracking & voice recognition technology

Cognitive disabilities

always keep in mind...

"don't beat around the bush"

  • Be direct, help avoid mistakes & be clear on how to fix them
  • Don't expect users to understand implied meaning
  • Give adequate time for everyone

still be creative!

  • Balance use of text alternatives like video & illustrations
  • ...or use bright colours to keep attention & interest
  • Keep text & layout simple - white space is your friend

Top comments (2)

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frimmitech profile image
frimmitech

This seems to be really useful and interesting to read. Thanks for sharing.

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itsvicki profile image
itsvicki

Thank you :)