Accessibility FAQ
Accessibility ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities, can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with digital content. It promotes equal access, inclusion, and is often legally required (e.g., ADA, WCAG standards).
The main categories are: visual (blindness, low vision, color blindness), auditory (deafness, hard of hearing), motor/mobility (difficulty with fine motor control), cognitive (learning disabilities, memory issues), and speech disabilities.
Assistive Technology (AT) refers to software or hardware tools that help people with disabilities interact with computers and mobile devices. Examples include screen readers, magnifiers, voice input tools, and switch devices.
A screen reader is software that reads digital text aloud. It helps blind and visually impaired users navigate websites, applications, and mobile devices by converting on-screen information into synthesized speech or braille.
Screen readers interpret the content of a page by reading the structure (headings, links, buttons, tables, etc.) and any available alternative text for images. Users navigate using keyboard shortcuts to jump between elements like headings, form fields, and links.
Other examples include screen magnifiers (for low vision), voice recognition software (for hands-free use), switch devices (for users with limited mobility), and refreshable braille displays.
Use semantic HTML (correct heading order, buttons, and links), provide alternative text for images, ensure sufficient color contrast, support keyboard
, create descriptive link text, and test content with screen readers and other AT.