What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) includes tools or equipment used to improve the capabilities and productivity of persons with disabilities. AT can help students with disabilities participate in education and help staff perform their job tasks at RCU. Here is a list of technologies commonly used to ensure people of all abilities can use computers and mobile devices to access the web:
Screen Readers
Applications like JAWS (Job Access With Speech) for Windows, NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access), and Voiceover for Mac are used by visually impaired people to hear the content that sighted users see on the screen.
Screen Magnification Software
Those with low vision use screen magnifying applications to increase the size of text, mouse pointers, and graphics that are displayed on the screen of a computer or mobile device.
Text Readers
Text readers, also called Text-to-Speech (TTS), allow users to listen to the text aloud while they follow along visually (e.g., highlighting the words as they are read out loud on the screen).
Braile displays
Devices that convert digital text into Braille for individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Alternative input devices
These devices offer alternatives to the keyboard and mouse for users with mobility impairments. Such devices include head pointers, motion or eye tracking devices, and single or multiple switch access methods.
- Speech input software
Speech input capability is conversely called Speech-to-Text or speech recognition and is a common alternative to typing text on a computer or mobile device. This technology can also help users browse the web and perform tasks using voice commands. Such programs include Dragon Speech Recognition, Windows Voice Access, and Apple Voice Control.
Why Digital Accessibility is Important?
Digital accessibility significantly affects everyday lives. More people are
continually using assistive technology, for example:
A person with a vision disability needs to use the zoom feature to enlarge
text on a tablet.
An accessible website allows for customizable text to ensure usability.
A person with a learning disability such as dyslexia uses a more accessible
font or a tool to read content aloud. A person with a hearing disability
requires captions to understand the information provided in videos.
Digital accessibility ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to
websites, educational resources, and all aspects of our digital resources and
services. We guarantee that students with physical disabilities can access our
facilities by providing accessibility features. Likewise, our online resources and
courses must have the necessary accessibility features. When we plan for
accessibility, we ensure everyone has the same opportunity to enjoy the benefits
of our world-class research university.
Digital accessibility is a civil right required by law. When web content isn’t accessible, people with disabilities encounter difficulties accessing information
equally. Being proactive not only ensures inclusivity, which is paramount but also
reduces the risk of potential litigation.
Digital accessibility means products are designed for universal
usability. Adhering to accessibility standards results in products that offer greater
ease of use and adaptability. Incorporating key accessibility features guarantees
content usability across various devices.