You have 3 free guides left 😟
Unlock your guides16.3 Assistive Technologies and Design Considerations
4 min read•august 9, 2024
Assistive technologies are game-changers for people with disabilities. From to , these tools open up digital worlds. They're not just add-ons; they're essential for inclusive design.
Designing with in mind isn't just nice—it's necessary. It means thinking about color contrast, clear layouts, and alternative ways to input information. When we design for everyone, we create better experiences for all users.
Assistive Software
Screen Reading and Magnification Tools
Top images from around the web for Screen Reading and Magnification Tools
Frontiers | Remote Actuation Systems for Fully Wearable Assistive Devices: Requirements ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Assistive Technology Testing – Professional Web Accessibility Auditing Made Easy View original
Is this image relevant?
Web Accessibility and Use of Assistive Technology in Accessing E-Resources by Learners with ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Remote Actuation Systems for Fully Wearable Assistive Devices: Requirements ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Assistive Technology Testing – Professional Web Accessibility Auditing Made Easy View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Screen Reading and Magnification Tools
Frontiers | Remote Actuation Systems for Fully Wearable Assistive Devices: Requirements ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Assistive Technology Testing – Professional Web Accessibility Auditing Made Easy View original
Is this image relevant?
Web Accessibility and Use of Assistive Technology in Accessing E-Resources by Learners with ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Remote Actuation Systems for Fully Wearable Assistive Devices: Requirements ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Assistive Technology Testing – Professional Web Accessibility Auditing Made Easy View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Screen readers convert digital text to synthesized speech or braille output
- Popular options include , , and
- Interpret and narrate on-screen content, including text, images, and interface elements
- enlarges portions of the screen for users with low vision
- and provide customizable magnification levels
- Allow users to adjust color schemes, cursor size, and focus tracking
Voice Recognition and Input Assistance
- enables hands-free computer control
- converts spoken words into text and commands
- Built-in options like offer basic voice control
- provide alternative text input methods
- Useful for users with limited mobility or dexterity
- Customizable layouts and word prediction features improve efficiency
Alternative Input Methods
Specialized Input Devices
- allow users with limited mobility to control computers
- Single or multiple switches can be activated by various body movements
- Scanning software highlights options sequentially for switch selection
- Eye-tracking systems enable computer control through eye movements
- and produce eye-tracking hardware and software
- Calibrate to individual users for precise cursor control and text input
- translate head movements into cursor control
- Camera-based systems () or sensor-based options ()
- Provide hands-free navigation for users with limited upper body mobility
Keyboard Accessibility Features
- allow sequential key presses for keyboard shortcuts
- Beneficial for users who have difficulty pressing multiple keys simultaneously
- Can be enabled through operating system accessibility settings
- ignore brief or repeated keystrokes
- Help users with hand tremors or involuntary movements
- Adjustable settings for acceptance delay and repeat rate
- On-screen keyboards provide visual representation of keyboard layout
- Allow for mouse or alternative input device selection of keys
- Often include word prediction and auto-complete features
Accessible Media
Captioning and Transcript Technologies
- display spoken dialogue and sound effects as text
- Can be toggled on/off by the user
- Essential for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers
- are permanently visible on the video
- Cannot be turned off by the viewer
- Useful for videos played in noisy environments
- provide full text versions of audio content
- Support users who prefer reading to listening
- Enhance searchability and indexing of media content
- use human transcribers or AI for real-time text
- Useful for live events, webinars, and video conferences
- Platforms like Zoom and Google Meet offer built-in live captioning
Alternative Text and Image Descriptions
- provides concise descriptions of images for screen readers
- Should convey the purpose and content of the image
- Crucial for users who rely on screen readers to understand visual content
- offer more detailed explanations of complex images
- Useful for charts, graphs, and infographics
- Can be linked to or embedded within the page content
- assists in generating alt text automatically
- Improves efficiency but requires human review for accuracy
- Services like Microsoft's Computer Vision API offer this functionality
Visual Design Considerations
Color and Contrast Optimization
- ensure text readability against backgrounds
- guidelines recommend minimum ratios of 4.5:1 for normal text
- Large text (18pt+) requires a minimum contrast ratio of 3:1
- in design choices
- Avoid relying solely on color to convey information
- Use patterns, shapes, or labels in addition to color coding
- allow users to adjust for personal needs
- High contrast modes invert colors or use specific color combinations
- Some users benefit from particular color overlays to reduce visual stress
Layout and Typography Enhancements
- improves content navigation
- Use consistent heading styles and spacing
- Employ whitespace effectively to separate content sections
- enhances accessibility for all users
- Sans-serif fonts often preferred for on-screen reading
- Minimum font sizes (12-14px) ensure legibility
- adapts layout to different screen sizes and orientations
- Improves usability across devices (desktops, tablets, smartphones)
- Allows users to zoom in without breaking page layout
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
