Resources

Here are some recommended accessibility features, technology, tools, and learning resources.

Accessibility Features and Assistive Technology

NonVisual Desktop Access (Windows + Linux)

There are a number of free/open source screen readers available for Windows users. One of the more popular ones is NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA). Take a bit of time beforehand to download the software and learn some of NVDA’s documented basic keystrokes.

Apple Accessibility (all platforms)

Mac users, you have a built-in screen reader called VoiceOver on your systems. Take some time to visit the site referenced to familiarize yourself with how to turn on VoiceOver and some of the basic keystrokes. Also, explore Accessibility features for Apple products that operate on iOS.

Google Accessibility

Explore some of Google’s accessibility features and products.

Microsoft Accessibility

Explore some of Microsoft’s Accessibility features and products.

Blackberry Accessibility

Explore some of Blackberry’s Accessibility features and products.

Tools

WAVE – Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool

There are a number of free tools that can help designers and developers to test the accessibility of their pages. One of these is WAVE – Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool from the folks at WebAIM.

Colour Contrast Analyzer

The Colour Contrast Analyser (CCA) is a tool, provided by the Paciello Group, that helps you determine the legibility of text and the contrast of visual elements, such as graphical controls and visual indicators.

axe (Deque)

Deque’s axe Browser Extension integrates into Chrome & Firefox’s built in Developer Tools to allow convenient access to a page’s accessibility barriers in a way already familiar to most Web Developers.

Learning Resources

Adaptech Research Network

The Adaptech Research Network has a library of free or inexpensive software that is useful to people with disabilities. Why not try one or more of these software.

Microsoft Accessibility Resources & Training

Get resources for creating accessible content, products and experiences that are inclusive for people with disabilities and can benefit everyone.