Breaking Down Communication Barriers: RogerVoice
Olivier Jannel founded RogerVoice, an app that provides a live transcript of phone calls in over 100 languages, with a mission to break down communication barriers. Inspired by smartphones’ evolving capabilities, as well as his own experiences navigating the world as hearing impaired, he knew he had to create something and differentiate it from other […]
Apple’s New Software Updates and Service, SignTime.
Apple Inc. recently announced new software updates designed to enhance the experience for people with mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive disabilities. These updates, all slated to be available later this year, are being released across multiple Apple devices. People with limb differences will be able to navigate Apple Watch using AssistiveTouch. iPad will support third-party […]
Micro-volunteering in Accessibility: Be My Eyes
Hans Jørgen Wiberg, a visually impaired furniture craftsman, started Be My Eyes to become more independent. Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people seeking visual assistance with a network of volunteers via video calls. How it works: This expands beyond the day-to-day tasks. Their Be My Eyes for Work […]
Assistive Technology Focus: Sip and Puff Devices
Most types of assistive technology require the use of one’s hands, motor capacity, or mobility in another part of the body to use computer devices and the internet. Sip and Puff (or SNP) devices enable individuals who are unable to use a manual device to access computers and other essential technology. Users “take a sip” […]
Accessibility Updates: Windows, Firefox, and Apple
We’re always thrilled to hear about technology companies updating their products specifically for accessibility. Not only does improved technology enhance experiences for people with disabilities, but these updates move the needle further toward progress. Let’s hope other companies and organizations follow suit because everyone benefits from accessibility. Here are some of the highlights from the […]
Assistive Technology Focus: Braille Display Devices
One of the best aspects of working in the digital accessibility field is learning about the innovative tools that enable users with disabilities to access and understand content they would otherwise be unable to experience. Assistive technology (AT) enables individuals with disabilities to access computers, electronic devices, and the web using alternative or additional input […]
Accessibility Spotlight: Neil Squire Society
Helping people with disabilities gain confidence and independence through the computer When Bill Cameron’s cousin, Neil Squire, was in a car accident that left him unable to move his leg or arms or to speak, Bill was determined to find a way to help Neil communicate. This determination eventually led to the Neil Squire Society, […]
Assistive Technology Focus: Keyboard
Imagine not being able to use a mouse or touchpad to use your computer. Folks with motor disabilities, vision issues–including blindness– or even a broken hand cannot use a mouse to point to items on the screen, click on check-boxes, or “right click.” This is where the trusty keyboard comes in. Considering that early computers […]
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. New features include: Coalition Studio’s Reasoning How did Coalition Studio decide on these improvements? User-testing with folks with an array of disabilities and gaming preferences–seems like the obvious answer, but there are many products […]
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 […]