Assistive Technologies

Before looking at Assistive Technologies, let’s look at some basic things that we can do to help learners with special challenges.

The Basics

Colour

Use of colour is attractive and can be helpful in categorizing information. However, it should not be the only method used as it puts those who are colour blind at a disadvantage. If colour is used as one method to categorize information, avoid using greens, oranges and reds.

ALT and Title Tags

The use of ALT tags on images and graphics is helpful for those who use screen readers. The ALT tag should be clear, concise and provide enough information that a blind reader will obtain the information being portrayed by the image or graphic. This page provides a good explanation of what makes Good vs Bad ALT text examples.

Close-up photo of a record player's needle touching a vinyl record.
Back before the era of iPods, when people used record players to hear music, putting the needle on the record was the equivalent of pressing the play button.

Here is an example of an image with ALT tag information.

When providing information to include in ALT tags, do not repeat the same information that is already provided in the content, or in the caption. The goal of ALT text is to help someone who is unable to see the image, so that they understand the context of the image, and why it was chosen to be included!

The image of the record player has ALT tag information which is only visible in the html markup or via an assistive device that reads out ALT tags. You can always add extra information in the TITLE tag since it will also be read by a screen reader. One possible use for the TITLE tag on an image could be “A larger version of this image will open in another window if you select this thumbnail.”

Headings

Clear headings help to organize material and help the vision impaired learner organize their mind map of the information.

Clean Code

Clean HTML code will help the screen reader technology provide clear and concise information to the student.

Below:  Example of messy code (left) vs cleaner code (right).

Screen shot showing messy code, much of the code is unnecessarily generated by copying content from MS-Word into an editor.
Cleaner code is shown here with any unnecessary formatting and "junk" code removed.

Closed Captioning

Closed captioning for the hard of hearing learner is important, especially if audio or video is the only way material is presented. If creating an audio or video clip, using a script from which the closed captioning can be created is very helpful.

Computer Assistive Technologies

Computer assistive technologies includes hardware and software that will help or enable persons with disabilities to use their computer, search the web, input information, etc.

Memorial University offers several assistive technologies for use in its Libraries and for its patrons to borrow. You can reserve assistive technologies from The Commons in person, or online. You can also obtain details of the assistive technologies offered from the Library, or you can visit The Commons’ Assistive Technologies page.

Here are some examples of assistive technologies.

Screen Readers

Screen Readers are software that are usually installed on a computer and will read the computer screen, often in a mechanical voice. Along with Zoom Text, the following may be useful:

Examples:

For Persons with Limited Mobility or Dexterity

There are a variety of navigation and input devices including:

Specific software for input and navigation include:

For Persons with Cognition Challenges

Other

Some major international organizations have made resources available for anyone wanting to know how to make applications or websites more accessible. Some examples are:

References

Resource created by Daph C.