Blind or vision impaired

Error message

Deprecated function: Array and string offset access syntax with curly braces is deprecated in include_once() (line 14 of /home/mediacc/public_html/themes/engines/phptemplate/phptemplate.engine).

Blind Americans frustrated over cinema customer service failure

no
Show on home page

Most cinemas in America (and Australia) provide audio description technology and screen audio described movies for blind and vision impaired people, however installing equipment does not ensure a good accessible experience.

People eating popcorn in a movie theatre


Top of page

Microsoft reveals accessibility goals for Windows 10 and Office 365

no
Show on home page

Tech giant Microsoft has revealed its roadmap of accessibility features to be introduced in Windows 10 and Office 365 over the course of 2016. The announcement comes after a number of public statements outlining an increased commitment to inclusion of people with disabilities in its product offering and services.

Laptop running Windows 10


Top of page

Accessibility in the cloud – benefits, issues and trends

no
Show on home page

As a new survey shows an increase in the use of the cloud in 2016, the impact of this on people with disabilities and impairments becomes ever more important. Media Access Australia has produced a white paper, Accessibility of Cloud Computing – current and future trends, which provides valuable insights into cloud accessibility.

Left hand holds a smartphone with floating squares emerging from the screen


Top of page

Service Providers Accessibility Guide now available via direct download

no
Show on home page

Media Access Australia’s Service Providers Accessibility Guide, which received a significant update in October 2015, is now available to download directly in accessible PDF and Word formats via our Digital Accessibility Services website. The guide caters to service providers using practical, hands-on, step-by-step ways to effectively prepare and deliver content and communications for people with disabilities via computing and mobile devices.

Finger resting on an accessibility button on a computer keyboard

Digital media and technology: 

Top of page

Audio described programs on iview in February

no
Show on home page

The ABC has released the list of programs that will be available on its online service iview during February with audio description for the blind or vision impaired.

ABC iview logo


Top of page

Pixar’s new app bypasses cinema audio description issues

no
Show on home page

Movie producer and distributor Pixar Studios has moved to solve the problem of blind people not being able to access its movies by creating an audio description app.

Attendees of Pixar's 'White Canes, Red Carpet' event standing in front of a poster for 'The Good Dinosaur'. Image credit: Guide Dogs for the Blind, Flickr


Top of page

Petition launched for more audio description on iTunes

no
Show on home page

Accessible media advocate Phillip Chalker has launched a Change.org petition calling on iTunes to provide more movies with audio description for people who are blind or vision impaired.

Young girl using earphones connected to a tablet device

Digital media and technology: 

Top of page

Professional Certificate in Web Accessibility promotional video out now

no
Show on home page

A new video produced by Media Access Australia has been created to promote the upcoming Professional Certificate in Web Accessibility (PCWA). It’s designed to underline the main points and key benefits of enrolling in Australia’s only university-accredited web accessibility certificate for digital professionals.

Five students accessing technology via a laptop and a tablet computer.

The PCWA course highlights video runs for one minute and thirty seconds. In addition to the standard video, an audio described version of this video is also available.


Top of page

Accessible cinema technologies introduced on the Gold Coast

no
Show on home page

The Arts Centre Gold Coast has introduced a new line of personal captioning and audio description devices intended to enhance cinema access for moviegoers in the region.

Mayor Tom Tate and Kerry Campbell using captioning glasses to watch a movie.

Digital media and technology: 

Top of page

CES 2016 accessibility round-up

no
Show on home page

The annual International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which was held in Las Vegas, USA last week, is generally considered the world’s largest showcase of consumer electronics. With products ranging from futuristic prototypes through to things we’ll see in stores soon, it’s a good opportunity to see what some of the accessibility implications are for 2016.

Man holding a smartphone with desktop, laptop and mobile devices emerging from the screen

Digital media and technology: 

Top of page

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Blind or vision impaired