In my last article, I went over the disabilities listed in the CPACC guide as well as the barriers people with those disabilities face. Today, I'll be going over the assistive technologies that correspond with each disability. I'd also like to go over etiquette.
Visual Disabilities
Screen readers
Audio description
Assistive tech compatible markup
Canes
Service animals
GPS with audio
Braille
Raised indicators on walkways
Tactile building models
Software that increases screen contrast
Auditory Disabilities
Sign language
Live captioning
Transcripts
Visual alerts
Teletype
Assistive listening devices
Hearing aids
Cochlear implants
Frequency modulation systems
Infrared systems
Deaf-blindness Disabilities
Screen reader
Braille keyboard
Cane
Service animal
Tactile navigation
Tactile sign language
Deaf-blind translator
Speech Disabilities
Text to speech programs
Articulation aids
Voice carryover
Mobility Disabilities
Switch devices
Adaptive keyboards
Voice control
Eye tracking
Speech to text software
Mouth stick
Head wand
Sip and puff switch
Oversized mouse or keyboard
Wheelchair
Walkers and crutches
Elevators
Large buttons
Velcro closures
Cognitive Disabilities
Word prediction
Simple content and navigation
Visual and audio alternatives
Additional time for comprehension
Computer assistance
Video and audio assistance
Pens with scanning capabilities
Voice output technologies
Special fonts
Dictation
Seizure Disabilities
Flicker free monitors
Monitor glare guards
No glare glasses
Service animals
Alert wearables
Psychological Disabilities
Text-to-speech
Mood management software
Voice recognition
Noise monitoring
Multiple Disabilities
Programmable keyboards
Writing support tools
Communication aids
Text to braille translation
Each disability comes with its own unique set of barriers. That's why it's important to be familiar with all of them and the technologies and strategies they use to overcome them. With that being said, it's also important to follow basic etiquette rules to avoid offending or potentially hurting anyone.
Speak directly to the person, not anyone who may be accompanying them
Do not make assumptions about what a person can or cannot do
Offer assistance only if the person requests it or after asking permission
Acknowledge the individual's ability to make decisions on their own
Use language that puts people first
Don't refer to people by their disability
When not speaking to a person but instead designing for the web, there's also rules that should be followed to achieve beautiful and accessible design. Follow the rules of POUR. All content should be Perceivable (with text alternatives and captioning), Operable (functional from a keyboard and non-time based), Understandable (readable and predictable), Robust (compatible with past and future tools). These core traits form the basis for all WCAG 2.1 materials.
For a more tangible environment, it's important to make sure you're following 7 rules for accessibility:
Equitable use
Flexibility in use
Simple and intuitive
Perceptible information
Tolerance for error
Low physical effort
Size and space for approach and use
In the next article, I'll go over standards, laws, and management strategies. This will include local, national, and regional laws and regulations. You'll also probably want to do a bit of your own research to see if your local county or city has any further specifics.