Never have you seen a blind person using their computer or smartphone? Digital accessibility can be difficult for blind people. We will now discuss how it feels to use the internet as a disabled person.
What does it mean to be “blind?”
Like most disabilities, blindness is a loss of vision. This refers to the loss of vision that can’t be corrected by contact lenses or glasses a range.
Some people cannot see anything (not even light); others are completely blind.
Partial blindness is a condition that results in a person with limited vision. The majority of people who use “blindness”, are visually impaired.
It’s like a spectrum. If you meet someone who is blind, it’s unlikely you will be able to identify where they are on the spectrum. Even someone who uses a white guide dog or cane,
Today’s focus will be on people who need a screen reader or braille keyboard to access technology.
Examples of screen readers
- Kindle Text-To-Speech
- Android TalkBack
- Apple’s iOS VoiceOver
Screen readers
- Microsoft Narrator
- JAWS for Windows
- Serotek System Access
- Apple VoiceOver (OS X).
- ORCA (Linux)
- WebAnywhere (All OSs, Web browsers).
- Spoken Web (Internet Explorer).
- NVDA (Windows).
- Chrom Vis (Google Chrome) and Chrome Vox
Refreshable braille displays
A flat keyboard, also known as a braille reader, is a device that converts text into braille. It allows deafblind and blind people to read text with their fingers.
Examples braille displays
- Brilliant
- Focus (Freedom Scientific).
- ALVA BC680
Software to support braille
- iBrailler Notes
- Index BrailleApp
- Google Braille Back
Accessible Dictation
Speech recognition software allows a user to navigate and interact with websites by using his voice.
Examples of dictation software
- Siri
- Apple Dictation
- Windows Speech
- Recognize
- Gboard (Andriod, iOS)
- Google Docs
- Voice typing
Example of dictation
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking
- Sign up for Winscribe
- e-speaking
Why iPhone is so popular with blind users?
Apple’s smartphone is the most accessible and advanced on the market. Apple offers more reliable features than other smartphone manufacturers. Apps written for iOS are therefore more likely to be available without meaning.
Using Mobile Devices
Smartphones offer new opportunities for those with visual impairments. There are apps that can help visually impaired users navigate new places, recognize money, and scan bar codes to identify colors.
Labeling area and purpose
Clear labels are crucial for Android’s TalkBack or iOS VoiceOver to work properly. The purpose and location of each element should be clearly indicated on labels.
Don’t ignore gestures
Blind users need to be able to use gestures such as pinching, swapping, and tapping. It is not possible for blind users to use apps that do not respond to modified or native accessibility gestures.
What can a blind person do with touchscreen devices?
This is how blind people navigate websites and apps just like everyone else. Thanks to some easy accessibility software and tweaks.
Audio feedback is added to every tap when accessibility features are turned on. Blind people can tap on the screen to hear information at any given point.
You can tap repeatedly to activate the area (i.e. the field in the app, or click on a button to open the app). Blind people can understand audio feedback, which makes it easier for them to communicate.
One tap on the screen will announce that the user has touched the Gmail icon. A double tap will open the app. Next, the voiceOver displays the details of the top massage found in your inbox.
Final Thoughts
When designing software, websites, or hardware, keep in mind visually impaired users. You can also retrofit existing technology to provide access. This is a great opportunity to grow your business and get more clients, revenue, and contracts. Alternate text, as well as auditing your content structure, are easy fixes that can improve the user experience.
