Review of access to electronic media

Television

TV access

Captions

Inclusion

Open captions

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Connect Ability Challenge awards accessible tech innovators

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The Connect Ability Challenge, which challenges developers to build accessible technology solutions for people with disabilities using only existing and affordable mainstream platforms, announced the winners of a USD$92,500 (AUD$125,381) prize pool last Monday.

Person using a tablet device in front of an open laptop

Taxonomy:

Digital technology

Affordable

Sensory impairment

Digital media and technology:

Techniques

Technologies

Assistive technology

Mobile operating systems

Operating systems

Devices

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AD 2020 – what will happen to audio description in the next 5 years?

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Predicting the future beyond the next year or two is a risky business, even more so if you are looking at media and digital services. Media Access Australia CEO, Alex Varley, will be putting his access expertise and reputation on the line at the annual Print Disability Round Table in Adelaide where he will speculate on what audio description (AD) will look like in the year 2020.

Elderly farmer wearing headphones whilst using a stylus on a tablet device, over an aluminum tray of peas resting on his lap

Taxonomy:

Inclusion

Audio description

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Media Access Australia launches report on the accessibility of video-on-demand services

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Media Access Australia's latest report on the state of play for accessibility on video-on-demand (VOD) services recommends that captioning be introduced on all catch-up TV services by the end of 2015, and all VOD services by the end of 2016.

Access on demand: captioning and audio description on video on demand services cover

Media Access Australia has today launched Access on Demand, a comprehensive report on the accessibility of VOD services in Australia and other countries.

Taxonomy:

TV & video

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Deloitte reveals media, technology predictions

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Consultancy firm Deloitte has released its predictions into major technology, communications and media trends for 2015.

Hands holding a smartphone in front of three tablet devices, all four screens displaying an 'at' symbol

Taxonomy:

Inclusion

Digital media and technology:

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Virtual reality (VR): Accessing its potential

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Virtual reality (VR) is coming closer to realisation and mainstream adoption, opening up both potential and pitfalls for people with disabilities.

Young boy using an Oculus Rift HD Prototype headset and headphones. Image credit: Skydeas, Wikipedia Commons

Taxonomy:

Audiovisual materials

Learning support

Sensory impairment

Digital media and technology:

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Android 5.0 Lollipop accessibility features – hands-on initial impressions and tips

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Dr Scott Hollier provides some useful tips and initial hands-on impressions of the accessibility features available in the latest version of Google's Android operating system, 5.0 Lollipop.

Android 5.0 Lollipop home screen with Gmail, Maps, YouTube and Play Store apps

Taxonomy:

General

Digital technology

Digital media and technology:

Technologies

Mobile operating systems

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Noteworthy accessible game releases in 2014

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Just in time to help you relax over the holidays, we've enlisted the help of UX designer, accessibility specialist and co-author of the Game Accessibility Guidelines, Ian Hamilton, to provide a list of noteworthy cross-platform accessible game releases in 2014.

Injustice: Gods Among Us (Netherrealm)

Injustice: Gods Among Us poster featuring The Flash. Image credit: wiiu-spiele.com

Taxonomy:

General

Digital technology

Sensory impairment

Practical web accessibility

Digital media and technology:

Accessible gaming

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Accessible Christmas gift ideas for 2014

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Looking for that special something for that special someone—a Christmas present that is both accessible and awesome? Look no further than Media Access Australia’s guide on accessible Christmas gift ideas for 2014.

iTunes gift card

iTunes $30, $20 and $50 gift cards

Digital media and technology:

Mobile operating systems

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Westpac banking app inaccessible: Former Disability Commissioner

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Former Australian Disability Commissioner Graeme Innes is lodging a complaint against major Australian bank Westpac due to the alleged inaccessibility of its mobile banking application.

iPhone 6 resting on a flat surface

In a blog post, Innes claimed that as the result of an upgrade to Westpac’s online banking platform several months ago, including changes to its banking app, he could no longer bank via his iPhone.

Taxonomy:

Policy