25 Mar

Top 4 Accessibility Scenarios: Enhancing Web Content Accessibility

Listen on the go!

In the digital age, accessibility is paramount. Every user, regardless of ability, deserves equal access to online content. From websites to applications, ensuring accessibility aligns with ethical principles, widens the audience reach, and improves user experience. To achieve this goal, understanding and implementing accessibility scenarios are essential.

Understanding Accessibility Scenarios

Accessibility scenarios refer to various situations or conditions where users interact with digital content. These scenarios help developers and designers identify potential barriers and implement solutions to make content accessible to everyone. Here are the top four accessibility scenarios crucial to enhancing web content accessibility.

1. Screen Reading Software

For visually impaired users, screen reading software is indispensable. These tools use text-to-speech technology to read aloud the content displayed on the screen. Popular screen reading software includes Job Access with Speech (JAWS), Voiceover, and Speak Up. By ensuring compatibility with screen reading software, websites become perceivable to users who rely on auditory cues for navigation.

Scenario Screen Reading Software
Recommended / Available Tools Job Access with Speech (JAWS), Voiceover, Speak up
Standards Supported WCAG 1.0, WCAG 2.0, Section 508, ADA
Description & Test Approach
  • Screen Reader reads information aloud displayed on the screen or entered on the keyboard.
  • Screen Reader uses a Text-To-Speech (TTS) engine to translate on-screen information into speech, which can be heard through earphones or speakers.
  • Standards coverage and tool selection are carried out once we have the Accessibility requirements in place.
  • Screen Reader Software is mainly used for Visually Impaired users.
  • The application is navigated using the short-cut keys, and the audio from the tool is verified/tested.

 

2. Voice Recognition Software

Voice recognition software assists users with difficulty typing, such as individuals with dyslexia or motor disabilities. These tools allow users to control their devices and dictate text using voice commands. By supporting voice recognition software like Dragon Naturally Speaking or Talking Desktop, websites become operable for a broader range of users, enabling hands-free interaction.

Scenario Voice Recognition Software
Recommended / Available Tools Dragon Naturally Speaking, Talking Desktop, Dragon Mobile Assistant
Standards Supported WCAG 2.0, Section 508, ADA
Description & Test Approach
  • Voice Recognition Software is used for users who struggle with writing due to a learning disability, like Dyslexia, where spelling and typing can be frustrating and difficult.
  • Voice recognition software can stream your workflow, allowing you to work as fast as you can speak instead of as fast as you can type and move the mouse.
  • The biggest advantage is speed.  Voice is 3x faster than typing. While there is a learning curve while you master the commands, once you are familiar with the program, you can navigate your computer and dictate documents faster than a keyboard and mouse.
  • The other advantage is the ability to do hands-free computing.

 

3. Screen Magnification Software

Users with low vision benefit from screen magnification software, which enlarges on-screen content for improved visibility. Zoom Test and MAGic are examples of screen magnification tools that enhance the usability of websites and applications for visually impaired individuals with residual vision. By accommodating screen magnification software, websites become more understandable and navigable for users with varying degrees of visual impairment.

Scenario Screen Magnification Software
Recommended / Available Tools Zoom Test, MAGic
Standards Supported WCAG 2.0, Section 508, ADA
Description & Test Approach
  • A screen magnifier interfaces with a computer’s graphical output to present enlarged screen content.
  • It is a type of assistive technology suitable for visually impaired people with some functional vision.
  • Screen magnification software programs are loaded into the computer’s memory and remain active to magnify the text and graphics that appear in programs and applications run thereafter.

 

4. Captioning Software

Captioning software adds text descriptions to multimedia content, making it accessible to users with hearing impairments. Captions transcribe spoken dialogue and provide descriptions of sounds and music, enhancing comprehension for all users. By incorporating captioning software like Bobby, websites ensure that multimedia content is inclusive and informative for everyone.

Scenario Captioning Software
Recommended / Available Tools Bobby
Standards Supported WCAG 1.0, WCAG 2.0, Section 508, ADA
Description & Test Approach
  • A captioned video contains text that transcribes the narration and provides descriptions of the sounds and music that are present.
  • One of the myths about this software is that it is for use by people with hearing difficulties. Still, captions also benefit people who aren’t native speakers of the language used in the video, such as those unfamiliar with the vocabulary of a discipline, and sometimes allow interactive searches within the video.
  • Captions can be either closed or open. Closed captions can be turned on or off.
  • Captioning Software is mainly used for Hearing Impaired users.

Conclusion

Incorporating these top four accessibility scenarios into web development practices is a legal and ethical obligation and a strategic advantage. By prioritizing accessibility, businesses can expand their audience reach, improve user satisfaction, and foster a more inclusive online environment. From adhering to WCAG guidelines to considering Section 508 and ADA requirements, web developers and designers play a crucial role in creating accessible digital experiences for all users.

Accessibility is not merely a feature but a fundamental aspect of digital inclusion. By embracing accessibility scenarios, we can create a web ecosystem where everyone can participate, contribute, and thrive.

Need help? Contact our Accessibility Testing experts to learn more about the accessibility scenarios and how to enhance web content accessibility.

Author

  • Anishh Gopal

    Anishh Gopal (AVP – Delivery at Cigniti) is an experienced strategic consultant who defines testing strategies and solutions for large transformational programs. His consulting strengths include process optimization, engagement planning, and estimation strategies for financial clients. With significant experience in understanding clients’ “as-is” process maturity, Anishh Gopal helps create tailor-made processes to align with the client’s maturity goals. He brings strong testing project lifecycle experience with hands-on end-to-end operations.

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