Examples of Using Assistive Technology
Understanding how assistive technology works can help us create more inclusive content.
To truly understand why accessibility matters, it’s helpful to experience it from the perspective of someone who relies on assistive technology. This page features videos and images that demonstrate how different tools are used by people with disabilities to access digital content.
By understanding these experiences, we can make more intentional choices to ensure that everyone can fully engage with the information we share.
Screen Readers
What is a screen reader?
A screen reader is a software program that reads aloud the text on a screen. It allows people who are blind or visually impaired to interact with websites, documents, and applications. Screen readers often read content aloud word-by-word or line-by-line, and users rely on keyboard shortcuts to navigate through content.
Why is it important?
If content isn’t formatted correctly (e.g., without proper headings, alt text for images, or readable PDFs), it becomes very difficult or impossible for screen reader users to make sense of it. Understanding how screen readers work helps us create content that’s easier to navigate and understand.
Video Demonstrations:
How a screen reader works | Accessibility for blind and low-vision consumers
How a screen reader user experiences an accessible and inaccessible website
Experience a Screen Reader:
Try using a screen reader yourself. Many platforms, like Windows, Mac, and mobile devices, offer built-in screen readers (e.g., Narrator on Windows, VoiceOver on Mac) that can give you a sense of how these tools read and navigate digital content.
Color Contrast and Color Blindness
What is color blindness?
Color blindness is a visual impairment that affects the way people perceive colors. The most common form is red-green color blindness, which makes it hard for users to distinguish between reds and greens. There are also other types, such as blue-yellow color blindness and total color blindness.
How Color Blind People See the World
Why is it important?
When text or important information is displayed in colors that don’t contrast well, or when color is the only way to convey meaning, it can make the content inaccessible to individuals with color blindness. Ensuring high contrast between text and background colors and not relying on color alone to convey meaning helps make your content readable by everyone.
Try It Yourself
Use a color blindness simulator tool (like the one on Coblis—Color Blindness Simulator) to see how your content appears to someone with color blindness. This will give you an idea of how your website or content might look to someone with different types of color blindness.
Navigating with Keyboard Only
What is navigating with a keyboard?
Many people with physical disabilities rely on keyboard shortcuts to navigate websites and digital content, as using a mouse may not be possible. Keyboard-only navigation requires that all interactive elements (like links, forms, and buttons) be accessible and usable with a keyboard alone.
Why is it important?
If your website or content doesn’t work well with keyboard navigation, you may unintentionally exclude people who can’t use a mouse or trackpad.
Video Demonstrations
How do you surf the web without a mouse? An introduction to keyboard navigation
Experience It Yourself
Try navigating your favorite websites using just the "Tab" key, "Enter" key, and keyboard shortcuts to see how easy or difficult it is to get through the page. Take note of any inaccessible links or elements.
Other Tools and Technologies
There are many types of assistive technology that people use to interact with digital content, including:
- Speech-to-Text Tools: These tools, like Dragon NaturallySpeaking, allow people with mobility or dexterity impairments to dictate text into a computer.
- Magnification Software: Some individuals with low vision use tools that magnify text and images, allowing them to see the content more clearly.
- Text-to-Speech Tools: Tools like Read&Write or Natural Reader can convert written text into speech, which benefits users with dyslexia or learning disabilities.
Next Steps: How You Can Help
After seeing how assistive technology works, here are some simple actions you can take to make your content more accessible:
- Use clear, simple language to ensure readability.
- Add alt text for images and graphics.
- Test your content with tools like color contrast checkers and screen reader simulators.
- Avoid using color alone to convey meaning (e.g., “Click the red button!”).
