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Screen Readers 101: Designers & Developers

November 4, 2024 • 8 min read

I want to talk about something that's fundamental to digital accessibility but is often misunderstood – screen readers. Screen readers are one of the most effective tools for making websites and applications accessible to people who are blind or living with a visual impairment. However, for designers and developers just starting out with accessibility, screen readers might seem a little… mysterious. How do they work? What design principles should you follow with them in mind? What considerations need to be taken when writing the code? I'll use this guide to provide what I can to help get you started.

The False Promise of Accessibility Overlays

October 21, 2024 • 6 min read

Digital accessibility has been gaining the attention it deserves, and it's encouraging to see organizations and agencies prioritize it. However, as it becomes an urgent focus, many are turning to what vendors present as a silver bullet: automated overlay solutions that promise instant compliance with minimal effort. These third-party tools typically inject JavaScript code into the website to modify its content and functionality in real time.

The Evolution of Video Game Accessibility: Players and Developers

August 24, 2024 • 6 min read

In a previous post "Disability and Accessible Gaming" I talked about my takeaways from a great talk at SXSW 2024. Since then, it's been an interesting journey learning whatever I can from any resource that I can find. In conversations with others online, we discussed the disparity between how accessible the game play has become while the environment and tools available to those creating the games hasn't changed nearly as much.

Why PDF Accessibility Matters

July 7, 2024 • 6+ min read

Today, I'm going to talk about something pretty important, but often overlooked: making PDFs accessible. You might be wondering, "What does that mean?" Well, it's all about ensuring that everyone can read and understand the information in PDF documents, no matter who they are or what challenges they might face.

Making Social Media Accessible

June 12, 2024 • 5 min read

Social media accessibility ensures an inclusive experience for all users, regardless of ability. One important aspect is providing alt text for images, which allows screen readers to describe images to users with visual impairments.

Color Contrast for an Accessible Web

June 5, 2024 • 6 min read

Color contrast is an important aspect of digital accessibility, directly impacting the user experience for individuals with visual impairments. I'll briefly explore the significance of color contrast in web design and provide practical guidance on adhering to accessibility standards for enhanced usability.

Beyond a Pretty Picture

May 29, 2024 • 4+ min read

Alt text, a brief description added to images in HTML or content management systems, is crucial for website accessibility. It helps visually impaired users understand image content, improves SEO, and provides a backup if the image fails to load. The blog post explains how to write effective alt text that is informative, concise, and optimized for both users and search engines.

Designing for Keyboard Accessibility

May 22, 2024 • 6 min read

Is your website designed with everyone in mind? Designing for accessibility isn't just good practice, it's essential for creating a truly inclusive online experience. In this latest article I'll take a brief look at how keyboard accessibility can make your website usable for everyone, regardless of ability.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day

May 15, 2024 • 2 min read

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), observed annually on the third Thursday of May, promotes awareness of digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The day highlights the importance of inclusive technology design and encourages projects that make digital platforms more accessible. Organizations and developers are urged to prioritize accessibility in their digital endeavors to foster a more inclusive digital world.