assistive tech assessments
Assistive Technologies (AT) encompass a diverse range of tools, devices, software, or equipment designed to aid individuals with disabilities in performing tasks that might be challenging due to their impairments.
These technologies bridge the accessibility gap, allowing people with disabilities to interact with digital systems, websites, applications, and other technological platforms.
The goal of assistive technologies is to provide equal opportunities and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by enabling them to engage with digital content and information independently.
Assistive technologies can be categorized into various types based on the disabilities they address.
Examples of Assistive Technology
- AAC devices
- Screen reader
- Switch
- Close captioning
- Reminder alarm
Understanding WCAG Guidelines
A UX designer should ensure that a web application is accessible and inclusive. To do this, an assessment of the webapp in light of the WCAG Guidelines is prudent.
This assessment involves (1) understanding the requirements of potential users with disabilities and (2) aligning the design accordingly.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set forth by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) established standards are guidelines that serve as a foundation for this evaluation.
WCAG guidelines are comprised of four principles:
- Perceivable,
- Operable,
- Understandable, and
- and Robust
The guidelines include success criteria and these should guide designers in creating accessible content and interfaces.
Iterative Improvement of Assistive Technologies
The process of developing assistive technologies is iterative.
UX Designers should continually refine designs based on:
- feedback,
- user testing, and
- evolving accessibility standards.
Audits are conducted to assess the degree to which a webpage enables assistive technology. And a design is refined iteratively and site refine to achieve universal accessibility.
An "audit checklist report" is a text document that is the primary artifact and it is used to describe the results of audits with respect to the four WCAG principle guidelines.