Mobility

Accessible consumer technologies and the cloud: VisAbility Tech Outlook 2014

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Dr Scott Hollier's keynote presentation at the VisAbility Tech Outlook 2014 is now available to download via SlideShare.

Presented at the VisAbility Tech Outlook 2014, Dr Scott Hollier covers the journey of Assistive Technologies (AT) from the hardware-based solutions of the 1980s, to the wide range of affordable AT options available today (including accessibility developments of Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android). The importance of the cloud in relation to the future AT is discussed, including its benefits and issues for consumer accessibility.

Taxonomy:

General

Digital technology

News

Practical web accessibility

Disability

Affordable

Sensory impairment

Blind or vision impaired

Deaf or hearing impaired

Digital media and technology:

WCAG

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

Mobile operating systems

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Assistive technology promoted at the Super Bowl

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Microsoft has used its advertising slot at the American football championship (known as the Super Bowl) to shed light on how technology enhances the lives of people with disability.

Using the case study of retired football star Steve Gleason, the 60 second ad details how eye tracking software on a Microsoft Surface tablet can be used to by people with severely limited mobility to communicate.

Gleason was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2011, and has since lost the mobility of his limbs and the ability to speak. Gleason communicates by focusing his eyes on a tablet computer with software that detects where he is looking. With this, Gleason is able to speak, write and even tweet.

Taxonomy:

Digital media and technology:

Assistive technology

News alert taxonomy:

Blind/vision impaired Digital Technology & Online Media news

Deaf/hearing impaired Digital Technology & Online Media news

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Most accessible game of 2013 announced

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The AbleGamers Charity, an international authority on video and computer game accessibility, has announced its awards for games and gaming devices released in 2013. The annual awards recognise games, consoles and controllers that were designed to include gamers with disability.

The awards named Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn the most accessible mainstream game of the year. The game allows gamers with physical and sensory disabilities to play online in a fully-accessible format. Producer of the game, Square Enix, confirmed that player feedback and continual updates are important parts of ensuring that the game is accessible.

Taxonomy:

General

Blind or vision impaired

Deaf or hearing impaired

Mobility

Digital technology

News

Digital media and technology:

Accessible gaming

News alert taxonomy:

Deaf/hearing impaired Digital Technology & Online Media news

Blind/vision impaired Digital Technology & Online Media news

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British online video provider improves accessibility

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The video on demand provider YouView has announced a range of improvements to make its services easier to use for blind and vision impaired people, as well as those with a motor skill or cognitive impairment.

The changes include a new zoom function that works with all aspects of the program guide, and which the company described as a UK first. The free YouView app for iOS and Android now has text-to-speech navigation of the program guide, while the app is also now available in a high-contrast version.

Taxonomy:

General

Video

Blind or vision impaired

Mobility

News

News alert taxonomy:

Blind/vision impaired Digital Technology & Online Media news

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Highlights of 2013: Accessibility in mainstream devices

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In 2013 people with disability have been offered more choice in smartphones and tablet computers. While Apple still dominates this market, this year saw its competitors offer affordable and accessible alternatives. Here, Media Access Australia looks at a selection of mainstream electronic devices and how they have been improved for accessibility.