Gears 5: A Video Game Built for Accessibility
The Vancouver-based game developer, Coalition Studio, developed their new game, Gears 5 with loads of accessibility features–something many video games lack. A sample of the new features include: Option to turn off “camera shake,” or quick camera movements Customize an on-screen display of information to minimize distractions and sensory overload while playing Improved subtitles with […]
Ninth Annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Every third Thursday in May marks Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), which focuses on digital access and inclusion for all. What is digital accessibility? It is ensuring that folks with disabilities have the same experiences and outcomes with web-based services, content and other digital products as those without disabilities. Each year various tech companies, non-profits, […]
Assistive Technology Focus: Captioning, Transcripts and Audio Descriptions
I love captioning. I realized that I understand content, easily retain information and enjoy my viewing experiences more when I watch videos, TV and movies with the text right on my screen. Plus, I rarely need to backtrack to figure out what a character in a movie or show said! This is an example of […]
Website Accessibility & California Housing Laws: Make Sure Your Site Complies
Most websites fall under Title III of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which governs access of persons with disabilities to places of “public accommodations.” These are defined as entities that own or operate a place of public accommodation, which include the real estate, mortgage and insurance industry. In addition to the ADA, there are […]
What the tech industry can learn from “Crip Camp”
Judith “Judy” Heumann, contracted Polio as a child in 1949 which left her unable to walk. When she was old enough to go to school, the principal of the public school denied her entry–citing that she was a fire hazard–because she used a wheelchair. She also could not go to the movies, was asked to […]
Assistive Technology Focus: Screen Readers
Imagine online shopping or editing a Word doc without being able to see the screen. Seems impossible right? Luckily for people with visual impairments, both the tasks mentioned, and much more, can be accomplished by using a screen reader. Screen readers are a type of assistive technology that reads the text and interactive components on […]
Accessible Video Conferencing While Social Distancing & Working From Home
To date, most states in the U.S. have some type of “stay at home” or “shelter in place” order to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Many are relying on video conferencing tools to socialize and stay connected to friends and family. These video conferencing tools have become even more important for the almost 30% of […]
As Remote Learning Becomes the Norm, So Must Fully Accessible Learning Tools
With schools finishing the year at home due to COVID-19, decisions made about remote learning tools will significantly affect students with disabilities. The urgency to accommodate all students may be greater than educational institutions have ever experienced. Students and teachers are fortunate to have options for distance learning, and there will certainly be a learning […]
Accessible Web Becomes a Member of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
Accessible Web began in 2016 with the goal of making websites accessible to everyone. We believe that like physical public spaces, the web is also a public space that should be fully accessible to all, regardless of the lack of legal obligation. Because we are dedicated to making the web accessible to society as a […]
Are JavaScript Based Accessibility Toolbars a Viable Way to Meet ADA Compliance?
The digital accessibility industry is flooded with companies selling accessibility toolbars that allow users to change font specific settings, contrast settings, use a built-in screen reader and other accessibility-based site adjustments. Many of these companies claim guaranteed ADA compliance, just by purchasing a subscription to the toolbar and by implementing it onto your site. I […]