Assistive Technology Focus: Sip and Puff Devices
Most types of assistive technology we’ve outlined in previous posts, require the use of one’s hands, motor capacity or mobility of another part of the body in order to use computer devices and the internet. That’s why, for our next post in our Assistive Technology Focus series, we’re going to discuss Sip and Puff devices. […]
Deadline approaching for Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
In 2005 Ontario became the first Canadian Province to pass accessibility laws and has one of the most comprehensive policies created to date: The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Many countries, like the US, have laws that require government organizations or organizations that use government funds to have and procure accessible technology, websites […]
Assistive Technology Focus: Braille Devices
One of the best things about being in the digital accessibility field is learning about the innovative tools that give users with disabilities the ability to access and understand content they otherwise could not experience. Assistive technology (AT) allows folks with disabilities to access computers, electronic devices and the web using additional or alternative input […]
Thirty Years After the ADA Was Passed, There Is Still Lots To Be Done
On July 26th, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. In the past 30 years, many improvements to our physical world have been made–from curb cutouts, to accessible entrances to braille buttons on elevators, ATMs and kiosks. Many people with disabilities stress that though their lives have vastly improved since it […]
Misconceptions About Making Websites Accessible
We’ve put together a list of the 3 most common myths about web accessibility and the reasons they just are not true! #1 “Making my site accessible only benefits a small number of people.” One of the most common misconceptions about accessibility is that it only benefits people with disabilities. That is not true. Making […]
Easy Ways to Make Social Media Posts Accessible
We talk a LOT about making web content and functionality accessible and how doing so takes a commitment and sometimes, a lot of work. Something that doesn’t take much time–but is often overlooked when discussing accessibility– is social media. Luckily several social media platforms make it fairly easy to create accessible posts. Here’s an overview […]
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, […]
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 […]
AbiliTrek is building a database for travelers with disabilities, projected $17 billion market
New website AbiliTrek hopes to serve travelers with disabilities by providing a database of places to stay with accessible accommodations. “There is a big data gap that we’re trying to fill,” said David Wandke, CEO and founder of AbiliTrek based in Bellingham, Washington. While commenting on the initial idea for Abilitrek, David shares that on […]