It was once the case that the internet wasn’t suitable for disabilities. Keyboards were hard to type on, screens hard to read, and voice recognition didn’t even exist.
But the web develops at an exponential rate. Thus, the world is seeing a huge shift in how we use the internet. And the good news is that in every case, it is becoming more and more accessible.
Here are 5 innovative web accessibility ideas to get you started.
1. Accessible Technology
Recent demand for smart home tech means text-to-speech is becoming more accurate. It allows the blind to have an understanding of the internet in ways unimaginable before.
There are even braille friendly screens now available that have access to the Google Play Store. Braille technology complements voice technology for those with blindness and deafness.
2. Assistive Technology
Like accessible technology, assistive technology has come on leaps and bounds. The biggest contributing factor to a more accessible web is smart home technology.
Smart home technology’s excellence is its adaptability and cause and effect nature. For example, it may not be obvious that a pipe is leaking from the upstairs bathroom, which a blind person will miss. Water leak sensors can link to the smart home and sound an alarm to inform them there is a leak.
3. Speech Recognition
Speech recognition is the most universal success story in recent times. Much of this is due to its rapid growth beyond web accessibility for the disabled.
Its use in everyday life has allowed companies such as Google and Amazon to collect a wealth of data. This has provided AI platforms that are precise, accurate, and provide relevant information.
Although it isn’t perfect yet. It struggles with particular languages, dialects, and speech impediments. There’s no denying that voice recognition will only improve.
4. Deaf Community
With advances in modern web technology, disability support is more forefront than ever. Companies are aware that by focusing on voice recognition other senses become neglected.
If someone is hard of hearing, scheduling apps such as IFTTT allow independence. When the doorbell rings, the light will change color. Or the doorbell feed can pop up on your smart device screen to show who is at the door.
5. Web Browsing
Voice-to-screen technology is improving as well. Home hubs in the kitchen now allow for recipes to appear in an instant without the need to use a computer.
For those who have restricted movement, eye-tracking software is more accurate than ever. Like voice software, much of this is down to data. The options for eye-tracking software are increasing every day. One day we’ll see this technology at a low cost and without the need for specialist equipment.
Web Accessibility Is Now for Everyone
It’s easier than ever before for anyone with a disability to use the internet. the biggest seachange will come in the quality of speech recognition.
Smart homes, voice hubs, and quick responses will become the norm. The end goal in improving web accessibility is that nobody is disadvantaged.
Keep reading for more articles on how technology is changing your world for the better.
