Technology has had a dramatic impact on many people’s lives worldwide. Some individuals have disabilities that prevent them from using their devices in quite the same way. Assistive technology is the solution for these individuals. There are several roles that assistive technology can play in an individual’s life, including:
- Accessibility Testing: In the world, accessibility testing has been important to assist individuals with disabilities to have a better life. Companies have been building different technologies designed to accommodate people of all backgrounds and abilities in more recent times. These tests allow people without sight or poor hearing to use these sites or apps just as easily as someone with full-on vision and hearing. This has been a great help to people who could not learn how to operate computers or other technologies until these assessments were available.
- Digital Inclusion: Many people with disabilities lack the resources to get an education or pursue a career. Accessible technology through digital inclusion can provide these individuals with increased digital literacy, which will give them the opportunity for greater social inclusion and economic opportunity. Assistive technology provides accessibility to individuals who would not otherwise access information and tools they might need.
- Alternate Input Methods: People who have difficulty using a computer keyboard or mouse may use assistive technologies’ unique input methods. There are different types of accessible keyboards, mice, and other devices that can be used to interact with screen readers or other accessibility tools.
- Support New Technology: One major role of accessibility is for people who have accessibility issues to stay current with technological developments. Since many accessibility changes happen every year, it is important to have accessibility testing to use new technology.
Assistive technology (AT) helps people attain accessibility by ensuring that anyone can use the interface or device. An accessibility testing is conducted to ensure that the site, app, program, etc., are compatible with all types of accessibility software/hardware, and it’s easily accessible to users even who have reduced eyesight, hearing ability, fine motor controls, etc.
