Web & Tech Devices
Websites and technology must be accessible to provide equal access and opportunity to people with diverse abilities. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities recognizes access to information and communications technologies, including the Web, as a basic human right. Accessibility supports social inclusion and also benefits people without disabilities.
There is a strong business case for accessibility. Case studies show that accessible websites have better research results, reduced maintenance costs and increased audience reach.
Perceptible Information, communication devices, orientation and wayfinding applications which are simple, intuitive & flexible to use, read, understand and interpret, are some of the key factors to people with disabilities and more so for those with sensory and or intellectual impairments. People with linguistical and cultural diversities also benefit from universal accessible information and web & technological access.
The following are only a few of the key areas which may present some access issues.
- Font styles and sizes / text layout (vertical vs horizontal)
- Alternative text (alt text) in the markup / code (the processing, definition and presentation of text).
- Colour contrast of text / pictures / backgrounds.
- Auditory assistance / voice prompt commands / closed captions
- Low physical effort / simple and easy to use
- Warnings to hazards and errors
- Reasonable operating force
- Repetitive actions
- Accommodation for variations in hand and grip size
- Flexibility in use - left / right hand use.
- Reach from seated or standing position (static or dynamic)
- Feedback (text and audio) during and after task completion.
- Interactive and accessible keyboards, keypads.
- Text or speech input options / accessible tool menu
- Touch screens
- Non-reflective screens
- Dimensions and height of screens and input controls.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against by a company who does not provide their employees with Accessible Technology and equipment or you know of websites that are not compliant, If you believe that you have been discriminated against through inaccessible Bathrooms or Toilets, please feel free to fill out and submit our Disability Discrimination Complaint (DDC) Form, which we will review, then take to the relevant authororities.
You can also read the information below the form to find out more about creating an accessible website and the equipment that is available to assist persons with disabilities to be able to operate computers, and the companies and organisations that provide this equipment in South Africa.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
The World Wide Web can be very valuable tool for persons with disabilities, when websites and web tools are properly designed and coded so that persons with disabilities can use them, but currently many sites and tools are developed with accessibility barriers that make them difficult or impossible for some people to use, especially persons with disabilities. Making the web accessible benefits individuals, businesses, and society. International web standards define what is needed for accessibility.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, often abbreviated to WCAG, are a series of guidelines for improving web accessibility.
Computers & Computer Aids For Persons With Mobility Impairments
In these modern times Computers are an essential piece of equipment for most people, but they are even more important Assistive Devices for persons with disabilities, including persons with Mobility Impairments. With the advent of the Internet and the multitude of businesses supported online, one's imagination is the only limit. You can do just about anything from your home computer, including operating a business, doing research, socializing, listening to music, watching TV & movies, playing games, reading books, purchasing products, doing banking and taking part in discussions. Therapeutic treatments and support groups are even available on-line through your computer. Many persons with Mobility Impairments turn to computers to assist them in the tasks mentioned above and there are a number of Assistive Devices & adaptions available to purchase, which can make almost any computer accessible for anyone to use.
Computers & Computer Aids For Persons With Visual Impairments
Various Computers & Electronic Aids are used by Persons who are Blind or have a Visual Impairment to be able to operate equipment such as Computers, Cellphones, Tablets, etc. These Assistive Devices are extremely useful equipment for persons who are Blind or who have a Visual Impairment and are important tools of integration and can be used for a number of purposes including: Work, Reading, Research, Entertainment and Socializing, to mention just a few. These Computer & Electronic Aids include products such as Screen Readers; Screen Magnifiers; Refreshable Braille Displays; Braille & Enlarged Keyboards, etc.