Types of Disabilities

We all need assistance 

Main Groups

👀 Visual

👂 Auditory

🧠 Cognitive

💪 Motor

Perception Cycle

Sensory

Cognitive

The Physics is the part we control

Computers & Assistive Technology

Why this is a hard problem

Technological Development Cycle

Get it working

Fulfill Business Needs 

Fulfill User Needs

Redesign & Improve

1946 - Get it working

ENIAC $400,000

1977 - Fulfill Business Needs

Apple II $1300

PET $800

TRS-80 $600

1982 - Fulfill User Needs

• VersaBraille $3000
• SAM $200

The Cycle Continues

Get it working

Fulfill Business Needs 

Fulfill User Needs

Redesign & Improve

1984 - Get it working

Apple Macintosh $2500

2021 - What phase are we?

Braille Displays

$3200-$8000

2021 - What phase are we?

MacBook

$1300-$2300

Semantics

The Study of Meaning

Do's and Dont's

Give a11y the best chance at succeeding

Please DO

Show Devs Your Wireframe

Please DO

Label logical heading levels

Please DON'T

Leave components "naked"

Please DO

Add descriptive text

Please DON'T

"Nest" affordances

Please DON'T

"Nest" affordances

Please DO

Check Contrast Ratios

Please DON'T

Use color as sole indicator

Please DON'T

Assume your developers "coded it right"

Please DO

Please Please Please

Learn how to use a Screen Reader

Please DON'T

Give up

"The Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words."

- 1 Nephi 9:6

Learn More

webaim.org/articles/

Feel Free to Reach Out

slides.com/kyle-west/assistive-design