Challenges in accessibility supported
In recent years, an increasing number of accessibility features stemming from assistive technologies have been integrated into standard programmes, apps and products aimed at the general public. Despite these advances, the gap between the theoretical accessibility of interfaces and the actual user experience remains.
Tech giants are racing to improve accessibility, but research shows that many users, especially people with disabilities, have difficulty using digital interfaces. In a paper published by TU Dortmund University, Susanna Laurin and Sara Kjellstrand have explored the nature and consequences of this accessibility gap. The article points to three areas in particular that prevent users from taking full advantage of the accessibility features that are actually available to them.
First, previous research shows that it is difficult for users to find the built-in accessibility features. Many do not realise that the features are available in the applications they use, and finding them is even more difficult when the features differ in appearance and location between applications.
Most users switch between different products, apps and programmes. It is difficult to get the right support when your personalised settings are not transferred between interfaces.
Sara Kjellstrand, Reseach strategist at the Funka Foundation.
There is also a lack of continuous training and support to users on how the built-in accessibility features work. There is a need for regular and personalised training to help people make the best use of the features available. In addition, support is needed to ensure that everyone can keep up with updates to programmes and features.
The third issue highlighted in the article is that software for both standard and assistive technologies is being updated more frequently. This can cause problems for users if functions are moved or changed. In addition, many users are reluctant to update their systems, which means they risk missing important updates that could provide them with additional support.
We find that more support for users is needed to ensure that built-in accessibility features reach their full potential in practice. Some of the things designers and developers can do to help users are:
- Highlight accessibility features and make them easier to find
- Use consistent design with standard placement of objects
- Inform about the consequences of updates
- Make it easier to preserve the settings of accessibility features across different applications and platforms.
A more detailed description of the analysis, as well as information on sources and background material, can be found in the full article on the TU Dortmund University website.
A summary of the article was presented at our Friday webinar on 7 June. You can find the recording of the webinar and a smart guide here:
Free Friday webinars – accessibility features not being utilised