Google to remove Andriod apps that misuse Accessibility features
Popular Android applications like LastPass and McAfee might be removed from the Google Play store because of a change in policy. Though at first glance they seem to work as intended, these applications utilize features from the Google Accessibility Services API, originally built to allow software developers to easily incorporate Accessibility affordances into their apps. […]
Airbnb to purchase Accessible Hospitality startup Accomable
Accessibility hospitality service Accomable has been acquired by Airbnb. Accomable provides a similar service but with a focus on accessible and disability-accommodating spaces, covering over 60 countries. Accomable will phase out service and key team members will transition into the Airbnb product team, expanding their service to be more inclusive and accessible. As part of the […]
Google uses Local Guides to tell you if locations are Wheelchair Accessible
Google Maps started displaying wheelchair accessibility data for locations at the end of 2016, but with a recent update to their Local Guides program they’re moving to a more holistic approach. By engaging with their Local Guides program you can help Google curate their search results to provide more detail on locations and identify specific accessibility […]
Twitter update increases character limit, but some users are still left out
Social media platform Twitter recently updated their service to display messages of 280 characters. Product Manager Aliza Rosen explains this update is meant to build a better user experience, in a blog post she details: “Historically, 9% of Tweets in English hit the character limit. This reflects the challenge of fitting a thought into a […]
It’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2017!
Join us in Celebrating Inclusivity and Diversity Did you know Thursday, May 18, 2017, is the sixth annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)? Today we celebrate diversity and recognize the technological achievements made to build a more inclusive internet. By embracing assistive technology, utilizing robust UI/UX testing, and making web brand considerations, we can build […]
Is Japan the Most Accessible Country?
Traveling to another country can be a nerve wracking experience for even the most seasoned adventurers. Now imagine doing it with a vision and hearing impairment. Recently Cristina Hartmann did so while spending two and a half weeks in Japan, the last destination on her 4-month trip around the world. She tells her story on the […]
Accessible Spotlight: Rikki Poynter
Rikki Poynter is a 25-year-old deaf YouTube vlogger fighting for better Closed Captioning on YouTube. She began creating content on YouTube over two years ago, producing Q&A videos, makeup tutorials, and vlog-style videos. Rikki now has over 200 videos on her channel and 47,520 subscribers. She uses the platform and her following to make a […]
Our Trip to the Assistive Technology Tryout & Access Center at CDCI in Vermont
Last week, some Accessible Web team members visited the Center on Disability & Community Inclusion at the University of Vermont! Our goal at Accessible Web is not only to create accessible websites but to better understand assistive technology available. We wanted to look deeper at what’s available to help people perform regular tasks. The building […]
Students with Disabilities Speak Out
Rutgers Sophomore Laura Etori was leading a normal life until a rare condition known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension caused her to lose her sight three and half years ago. “My major concern was whether blindness would keep me from pursuing my education. I had never learned Braille since I had my sight for most of my […]
Designing with Accessibility in Mind
Accessibility = People A common misconception regarding accessibility is that it is primarily for those with disabilities, which is not the truth. Accessibility simply means that all people can access things, whether online or in everyday life. Wear glasses? Take them off and try going about your normal web browsing, probably not so easy. Accessibility […]