It is official: since around last year, we are under no obligation to spell internet with a capital I. Grammatically speaking, the internet just went from a proper noun to a common noun. The subtle implication behind this? The internet has become so common-place that it is no longer luxury, but a necessity. Times are changing also for those with various kinds of disabilities, or those who interact with technology differently than us. Techpreneurs all over are now counting disabled people among their demographic. In a previous blog, we have already discussed that the challenges for accessibility are fast dispersing. If you are someone taking the efforts to make your website disability-friendly, we applaud you. You are already one step ahead in making technology a welcome space for all strata of people. However, tech trends don’t always move at a speed we all agree with. Newer technologies are flooding the market by the month! It is very easy for one to feel lost and left behind. One such trend is assistive technology, which often gets hauled in the same basket as accessible technology.
However, there are several differences between the two. We shall explore these in the later sections. Clarity is one of the pre-requisites of undertaking the venture of making your web content disability-friendly. Therefore, it is important to understand what’s what.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology (AT) is an umbrella term covering products, equipment, and systems that enhance learning, working, and daily living for persons with disabilities. AT is any physical item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. There are certain tasks collectively called activities of daily life (ADLs) which are tough for disabled persons to perform. ADLs can cover everything from eating, bathing, dressing, and grooming to using personal devices seamlessly. The intention of AT is to not let technology become a hurdle in the optimal lifestyle of disabled persons.
Assistive technology helps people who have difficulty speaking, typing, writing, remembering, pointing, seeing, hearing, learning, walking, and many other things. ATs can even be tailored to specific needs.
Now, let us understand about the key differences between AT and accessibility (henceforth refered to as WA for web accessibility).
Assistive Technology vs Web Accessibility
The primary difference between the two is that AT is designed with a targeted focus in mind. Examples include screen readers which are made bespoke for helping vision-impaired persons read through say job postings, which are going to enable them sustain their independent lives. On the other hand, WA technology takes into consideration a wider set of incentives, and is designed to solve problems for a larger class of people.
Moreover, AT by itself might not guarantee full access to web content. The designers of the content need to build their webpages by keeping WA compliancy in mind. Supposing a disabled person uses a screen reading AT equipment. It won’t be a flawless experience until whatever she/he reads on the screen has been presented in an accessible manner.
Let us break away from the virtual world of technology, and take a look at something more physical, tangible. A wheelchair falls under the category of AT. It helps a person with mobility issues move around without requiring constant assistance. However, can the person successfully climb floors if she/he keeps encountering regular stairs? No! The architect of the building has to design ramps and ease of turning from the outset. This is accessible technology, which facilitates AT to perform its job.
Continuing this same example, can a visually impaired person still use the ramp designed for the handicapped person? Definitely. But will a hearing aid device help those with mobility impairment? Not at all! This goes to highlight that AT has more focused applications than accessible technologies. Same difference transfers to the intangible world of web content as well. For example, there are video transcripts for the hearing-impaired persons who cannot listen to a video. But if the website is WA compliant, even a vision-impaired person, completely capable of hearing a video, can benefit from the transcript. It might save him some time just by reading the transcript swiftly instead of going along with the video’s speed.
It’s all about integration
Like we saw, if the maker of the wheelchair coordinates with the architect, the two of them can make two independent design changes to their own offerings that will greatly help disabled people. It is about team work. Similarly, AT, when coupled properly with WA compliancy, can help make web content a smoother experience.
At TekVision Softtech, we offer Web Accessibility guidance. If you are someone looking to integrate your Assistive Technology with Accessible Technology, and are confused about the overall process, allow us to help. All you have to do is visit our Contact Page and submit your query. We will be happy to help.
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