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Thread: What kinds of technologies do motor impaired people often use?
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From: Ann Wawrose
Date: Fri, Feb 21 2014 8:22AM
Subject: What kinds of technologies do motor impaired people often use?
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Hey Guys!
Im trying to write an intro to accessibility talk for our companys internal conference and I wanted to describe some assistive technologies that some people use besides screen readers. For example, people who can see but maybe use a keyboard or other input device to manipulate their computers.
I know of a few things, like eye tracking software that allows people to type by following eye movements and some people use dictation software but surely these cant be the only things people use.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Ann
From: Jared Smith
Date: Fri, Feb 21 2014 8:29AM
Subject: Re: What kinds of technologies do motor impaired people often use?
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We provide a summary of the most common types, most of which you've
noted, at http://webaim.org/articles/motor/assistive
The types and effects of motor disabilities are extremely diverse, and
so are the types of assistive technologies. But for the most part, for
web accessibility, it really boils down to ensuring that your site
functionality is available to mouse and touch screen users and to
keyboard users. There are also a few unique issues for users of voice
control software.
Jared
On Fri, Feb 21, 2014 at 8:22 AM, Ann Wawrose < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
> Hey Guys!
> I'm trying to write an "intro to accessibility" talk for our company's internal conference and I wanted to describe some assistive technologies that some people use besides screen readers. For example, people who can see but maybe use a keyboard or other input device to manipulate their computers.
> I know of a few things, like eye tracking software that allows people to type by following eye movements and some people use dictation software but surely these can't be the only things people use.
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
> Ann
> > >
From: Lynn Wehrman
Date: Fri, Feb 21 2014 8:39AM
Subject: Re: What kinds of technologies do motor impaired people oftenuse?
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Ann,
WeCo has a similar presentation which focuses on disability type based upon computer use. It's important to realize that accessibility can be based upon good design and content management because some individuals have challenges, though their disability may not require an accessibility device. I can email you our presentation handout sheet that has already done this leg work if you contact me directly.
For now, here's the summary of primary items:
Sight-Related: screen reader and screen magnification software as well as ensuring that information is not conveyed solely via color or images. (Color blindness is a consideration.)
Motor Skill-Related: Speech recognition software (such as Dragon Naturally Speaking), eye tracking software, modified mouses (track and roller ball, foot mouses and joy sticks) and keyboards (key guards, split and half-qwerty keyboards.) Also one of our Specialists uses a pointer stick because he has limited use of his hands. Many options abound.
Hearing-Related: Ensure that sound isn't the only way information is conveyed and all items with sound give another option, such as video captioning, to receive information. (Make sure captioning is reviewed for correct words and spelling.)
Cognitive-Related: Often overlooked, it's important to note that individuals living with cognitive disabilities have the option to use interactive computer formats that will enable them to access and comprehend web pages more easily. We've seen some amazing devices that are akin to what Windows 8 has done and view the line blurring between cognitive accessibility and mainstream ease-of-use as a result. Content management is also something we teach developer/engineers as being the key to accessibility for individuals with cognitive disabilities.
Again, I'm happy to email you what we've developed and am happy to answer any specific questions you have. Making people aware of the coping skills and tools people living with disabilities use to access online venues is what we do here at WeCo!
Warm Regards,
Lynn Wehrman
President & Test Management Team Director
theweco.com 855-849-5050 x705 = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
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From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > on behalf of Ann Wawrose < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
Sent: Friday, February 21, 2014 9:22 AM
To: WebAIM Discussion List
Subject: [WebAIM] What kinds of technologies do motor impaired people often use?
Hey Guys!
Im trying to write an intro to accessibility talk for our companys internal conference and I wanted to describe some assistive technologies that some people use besides screen readers. For example, people who can see but maybe use a keyboard or other input device to manipulate their computers.
I know of a few things, like eye tracking software that allows people to type by following eye movements and some people use dictation software but surely these cant be the only things people use.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Ann