Interview with Daniele Marano: Accessibility is quality and not just an add-on

Daniele Marano is project coordinator at the Hilfsgemeinschaft (Austrian Association in Support of the Blind and Visually Impaired). He talked to MMF about what accessibility means for the vision impaired and what they would expect from manufacturers.

What are the most important considerations for making mobile phones and tablets accessible for blind or vision-impaired users?

The group of disabled users is quite heterogeneous. For example blind and vision impaired users should be considered differently since they have specific requirements. Blind users rely on speech output while vision-impaired users need functions like: zoom to enlarge the display and the characters, adapt the style of fonts or adjust the level of contrast or the combination of colours.

It is important that devices can be personalised because often people have multiple disabilities. Especially elderly people may have low vision and experience reduced dexterity, for example. For them touch screens are a challenge as these screens need a certain skilful handling. As our society is getting older and older, most of us will experience one or more disabilities in our lifetime. This makes the customisation of devices even more important. Special mobile phones for seniors have tried to solve the problem, but we need more studies about the real requirements of elderly people in regards to mobile telecommunication devices.

What are the most typical use cases for blind and vision-impaired users of mobile phones?

As mentioned above, we need to divide visually impaired users into those who have no visual capacity and those who have limited visual capacity – that accounts for very different requirements.

Only a few years ago people with visual disabilities using the older generation of mobile phones with keypad had to buy and install an expensive special software. So they had to pay both for the mobile phone and additionally for the software. I think that time is over but this was still the case until a couple of years ago.

At that time, from the side of the manufacturers there was no consideration at all for the requirements of blind and partially sighted users. Now, we can see a trend to include accessibility features in mainstream products. But industry needs to include extensively in all products accessibility features like screen readers and speech output for the blind and zoom functions for the vision impaired. It is relatively easy to integrate these functionalities into mainstream products. There just has to be the will to do so.

Mobile access to Internet is becoming more and more popular. Is this also true for blind and visually impaired people? Or is it for them still easier to access the web via a computer supported by assistive technology?

I would say it is true that for the moment blind and vision-impaired people still prefer computers, but that is because up to today there is – without mentioning any name – only one manufacturer that allows the blind and vision-impaired to use mobile devices in a comfortable way. So the market is dominated by one manufacturer that has assistive technology integrated in his devices. The problem is that their products are a bit expensive, and also that older people experience difficulties in using these new technologies like smart phone devices. So it can be said that it is still a greater challenge for the blind and vision-impaired to access the internet from a mobile phone than from a computer. However, we do see the potential of mobile phones to allow access to Internet for people who do not have a computer at home because a computer with assistive technology is also very expensive.

Many manufacturers are now providing a number of accessibility features. But even if they offer information on these features, the information does not seem to reach the consumer. The Austrian Association in Support of the Blind and Visually Impaired is offering their members workshops to explain about the accessibility features of their mobile phones. Were do you get the information from?

First of all, allow me to challenge your statement that many manufacturers are now providing accessibility features. I do not believe that this is true as such, or it is not known at least as you say.

Now to your question: where do we get the information from? Usually, not in a shop. Because the people in the shops are not very knowledgeable about accessibility features. I cannot really quote a comprehensive source about accessibility of mobile devices. We have our insider mailing list of blind and vision-impaired users, but we do not have any real time information about new models etc.

I do think that industry should inform more about accessibility features in their products. They provide a lot of information about how many million pixels the camera has, but it is never indicated if the device is easy to use. We must also consider that products must not only be accessible by disabled persons but also usable by all in a design for all spirit. Both accessibility and usability bring advantages for everyone. One part of users needs it, for the other part of users it can be comfortable to have it as well.

In terms of where to find the information, we are working on making GARI the source of information for everything around accessibility for mobile devices :-)

I welcome the initiative of GARI as a platform of information and exchange around the world of mobile devices

What would be your recommendations to app developers in regards to making their apps accessible?

That depends very much on the operating system for which the apps are developed. Developers must program apps in conformity and respect to the accessibility guidelines. It would be worth considering the introduction of an accessibility seal of devices and software.  But not always hardware and software can be considered separately in terms of accessibility. Accessibility must be an integral part of mobile devices and not just a secondary feature.

What would you wish for from the manufacturers?

The technology and the systems are constantly developing. It is important that accessibility develops at the same pace. There is the risk that with the appearance of new technologies, accessibility solutions must be redefined. Therefore it is important that accessibility becomes an integral part of the conceptual thinking.

I do think that a new consciousness of the needs of users has emerged but sometimes we still experience a lack of consideration. From the packaging, to the charger and the plug, we need to take into account the differences of users to make the handling of the device easy. Software is another issue, there are different kinds of possibilities and settings and so on. But manufacturers should put accessibility on the forefront, not just have it as a plus. Accessibility is an added value of the product, not just a courtesy for a small group of people who need it. Accessibility is quality.

Accessibility features need to become part of the mainstream product and not be offered in separate packages, at separate costs with separate assistive technologies. Accessibility is not an add-on but an integral part of the product.

What kind of developments do you expect over the next coming months?

We see that the technological development is incredibly quick. For our target group of blind and partially sighted users, speech command can certainly be further developed. Speech command on mobile devices has great potential.

Generally speaking, the interface man-machine can be improved. The use of smartphones for instance is still somewhat complex.

GARI presented to South African Disability Consultative Forum (SA DCF)

On 31 May 2013, MMF presented the Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative to the SA Disability Consultative Forum which appreciated the initiative. Organisations represented in the forum expressed interest to utilise GARI and to support the further development of GARI by spreading the news and by participating in the yearly stakeholder review at the end of 2013. Already prior to this meeting Vodacom SA, the biggest mobile network operator in South Africa and present in many other African countries, included a link to GARI on its website which is a huge step forward in the African context.

The South African Disability Consultative Forum (SA DCF) is a young institution aiming at bettering the inclusion of people with disabilities by developing their personal and economic potentials via accessible mobile communication equipment: During 2011 ICASA, the SA Telecom Regulator organised a National Summit for people with disabilities and all organisations related to disability issues, network operators, manufacturers and service providers. At this summit the disability sector requested that ICASA establish a Disability Forum with the aim to consult with organisations active in this field and all other relevant stakeholders on disability and telecom matters. The forum then provides feedback and advice to ICASA .   

 

As a result ICASA established the Disability Consultative Forum in 2012. The executive team and the members of this forum consist of organisations, manufacturers, network operators and service providers. The forum was officially launched on 10 May 2013.

Apps can make the in-accessible accessible – Ofcom accessible apps day

On 17 May 2013, the UK regulator Ofcom brought together a wide range of people with varying degrees of background in accessibility to discuss the status of accessible apps development.

Robin Christopherson from AbilityNet gave a great presentation on the potential that accessible technology constitutes for the disabled as well as the “temporarily bodily abled people” as the American disability community seems to call the non-disabled, because “for a lot of people, there is at least some time in life when everyone has some sort of disability”.  

Himself blind, he demonstrated in an amazing way how skilful he handles his smartphone and tablet, not being any less fast with these devices than any other user. “If you design inclusively, you level the playing field,” he said.

Paul Porter from RNIB, also a blind user, demonstrated how painful and frustrating it is when apps do not provide basic accessibility. However, when accessibility is built in the right way, it can tremendously improve the life of disabled persons. “If people ask the right questions about accessibility, you turn up getting more usable products,” said Peter Abrahams from Bloor Research. Indeed, more and more people regard accessibility as a proof of product quality.

“It is all about choice, about options for input and output technologies,” according to Robin Christopherson. “What are options for abled bodied people, can be life changing for disabled people.” Fortunately, the days of having low-volume, high-cost assistive technologies seem gone, and advances in accessible technologies come on a monthly basis.

Ben Shirley’s presentation on advances in speech recognition of course showed that there are still areas that do need substantial improvement before these technologies can be widely deployed at low cost.

All the same, many important players in the market invest in ensuring their services are accessible. While Gareth Ford Williams and Ian Pouncey from the BBC’s accessibility team explained about their efforts in making the iPlayer truly accessible for as wide a range of people as possible, Michael Day presented British Telecom’s Next Generation Text Service (NGTS) app that is intended to be complementary to text relay services and should enable hearing and speaking impaired users to communicate much more conveniently.

Ben Foster from the UK NGO Patient Services demonstrated the practical aspect of how apps can make the life of patients easier. The organisation offers a variety of apps - from helping people manage their medical conditions to apps that facilitate the setting up of doctors’ appointments and the filing of prescriptions.

The MMF was very happy to have the opportunity during this seminar to present the new GARI and invite all participants to name the accessible apps that they think should be included in GARI’s soon to come new section on accessible apps.

In response to questions from the audience about how accessible apps can best be made known by users, Richard Orme from RNIB replied that “when accessible apps come out, people notice fast and use them and talk about them and tell their friends”.

In this sense, please do let us know when you stumble upon new accessible apps and think that they should be included in GARI’s accessible apps section!

Presentations of the Ofcom accessible apps day will soon be available on the Ofcom website: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/

9 May – Global Accessibility Awareness Day

On 9 May, many events around the world celebrate the Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Jennison Mark Asuncion and Joe Devon, the organisers of the GAAD talked to us about their initiative and accessibility in mobile communications.


What is your background in accessibility and what was your motivation to organise the Global Accessibility Awareness Day? 

Jennison: I’ve been working in the private sector supporting digital accessibility since 2001. Apart from that, I’ve also been researching postsecondary students with disabilities and their ICT use in Canada with the Adaptech Research Network since 1997.

My motivation for helping organize GAAD, outside of Joe, who inspired this event with his famous blog post back in November 2011, is a desire to make the domain of accessibility, “accessible” to the designers, developers and others who are rolling out amazing apps at rapid speed. Rather than seeing accessibility as the killjoy, I think that depending on how digital accessibility is introduced into a discussion, making apps accessible can be seen as an innovation challenge worth pursuing.

Joe: Technology has empowered so many users. And so much effort has been put into making web pages pretty, even if they are on old versions of browsers. Yet something as fundamental as making a web page accessible to someone who cannot use a mouse or see a screen is simply not on the mind of the typical developer. Not because they don’t care about their craft. But because they are unaware that something such as a screen reader even exists, or that someone may actually be using just a keyboard to interact with their site! My motivation is to make accessibility part of the conversation, as it should be. I have no background in digital accessibility. However as someone who works in technology, this matters to me. I saw the gap and wanted to try and do something to address it in some way.

What outcomes do you expect? 

Jennison: If we can get even a few people who know nothing about digital accessibility, asking questions, becoming interested in learning more, having at least one perception change, and walking away with an appreciation for at least one of the digital accessibility issues facing people with different disabilities, we’ve met our goal.

Joe: I agree 100% with Jennison. I’m especially hoping that core developers, involved in work that touches front end products, are among those who are interested to learn more.

Why should we care about accessibility of ICT in general and mobile phones in particular? 

Jennison: I know few who will deny that ICT plays a role in almost every aspect of our lives. As a subset of ICT, smartphone technology, at least for the minute, is the flavor of the day. Who knows what will be the next big thing. I really believe strongly that unless and until we get things right with ICT accessibility, and by extension, mobile phone/app accessibility, the needle regarding such areas as the underemployment of people with disabilities will not move significantly.

Joe: Most of the world is using mobile phones with flashlights to navigate in the dark and membrane keyboards to keep out the dust. Android devices are pushing into many countries now. Access to data means improved living standards.

What are the most important initiatives in accessibility to ICT right now? 

Jennison and Joe: The great news is that there is a lot happening in pockets of digital accessibility. The open source community is doing some amazing things, the continuing evolution of the NVDA screen reader is but one example. Mobile apps are empowering folks with developmental and other disabilities. Social media has definitely opened up new lines of communication between the design/development related technology communities, the community of people who work in digital accessibility, and end-users with disabilities.

These conversations are in themselves helping bring awareness and are making some of the right things happen when it comes to ICT accessibility. Take GAAD as an example. Had it not been for Twitter, I (Jennison) in all likelihood wouldn’t have stumbled upon Joe’s blog post that inspired this global effort we’re driving together.

Finally, while it should not be seen as the primary reason by any means, legislative developments, such as aspects of the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) in Canada, the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the accessibility of public sector bodies' websites, and the CVAA (The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act) in the USA are helping ICT accessibility move forward. The reality is that sometimes people need legislative encouragement to motivate them.

Where do you see regulations in accessibility going? 

Jennison: I believe regulations in accessibility in the digital space will continue evolving and more countries will adopt such regulations, as more consumers with disabilities demand the same opportunities (real or perceived) that ICT promises to us all. All eyes will certainly be on the Americans with Disabilities Act come this summer, as movement to get web accessibility (hopefully digital accessibility to be more inclusive of tomorrow’s technology) much more explicitly referenced.

Will it be easy? Regulatory matters never are.

What developments do you expect to see in accessibility of mobile phones over the coming months?

Jennison: I can tell you what I hope to see, more choice in accessible mobile phones for people with different disabilities, period. Like with anything else, there is always a danger when choice is not an option and when people with specific disabilities are forced to become dependent on any one product/model.

Joe: Agreed.

What advice do you have for designers and developers of mobile apps?

Jennison: The major mobile platforms have developed guidance on how to make apps accessible to people with disabilities, and the W3C is undertaking efforts around mobile accessibility, don’t ignore these authoritative sources. Opt to use toolkits that have taken efforts to make widgets accessible, such as jQuery Mobile. Test your mobile apps for accessibility with actual end-users with disabilities. Finally, for those who opt to use a tool that generates code for multiple mobile platforms, as part of your selection process, ask the vendor what has been done to assure that the code produced will be accessible and usable by people with disabilities, and let their responses guide your vendor decision. Choosing one of these tools that does not generate accessible code ultimately means that developers will have to go back into the code and manually fix things, if that is even possible. This ultimately defeats the purpose of using such tools, namely, saving time and cost.

Joe: User testing prior to putting an app out there is key. It’s really the same whether you are developing an app for mobile or the web. It shouldn’t be left to users with disabilities to have to file bugs after the fact.


Have a look at the GAAD website to find an overview of events organized around this day and to find out how you can get involved too: http://globalaccessibilityawarenessday.org

Expand awareness of your accessibility-related apps

With the rise of smartphones, accessibility of mobile phones is now tackled in a threefold way: you can integrate accessibility features in the hardware, the software or via applications. Hundreds of developers have taken up the challenge to find solutions for making mobile phones more accessible to older people or people with disabilities and contribute to improve their daily lives.

For this reason, we are happy to announce that GARI is being expanded to host a new app section.

We have been working on a major redesign of GARI, intending to make the database more user-friendly and accessible and expanding it to integrate a number of new features. With the relaunch of the new GARI website approaching fast, we are now inviting developers to add their accessibility apps to the GARI database.

The new app section will allow users of GARI to search for mobile phones that accommodate specific apps. Indeed, it can be important to know whether a certain app is compatible with VoiceOver on iOS,  if the same app can be used with TalkBack on Android or if it works also on a Windows phone.

Being involved in GARI is free of charge. Developers can present their accessibility apps, explain their function and availability and link back to the online app store for the actual download.

If you are working on accessibility apps and would be interested in adding them to GARI, please have a look at the brochure for more information and drop us an email – we are looking forward to hearing from you!

And the winner is….. everybody in the long run!

The Vodafone Foundation Smart Accessibility Awards celebrated yesterday in Brussels the winners of accessible mobile apps in four categories: social participation, independent living, mobility and wellbeing. Out of 85 entries, the jury selected 12 finalists that presented a wide range of innovative and sometimes simple ideas of how apps can make mobile phones and societal life more accessible.

Viviane Redding, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, said in her keynote speech that while many accessibility features originally are designed for persons with disabilities, they often end up benefiting all users making mobile phones for everyone more convenient.

A statement beautifully underlined by the four winners:

• Starting Blocks by Gemixin: introduces smartphones to people who are completely new to the world of mobile technology, particularly the elderly. Starting Blocks allows users to learn about, and more importantly, safely practice the key skills that they will need to use their Android device. In a nutshell, it provides them with the “starting blocks” that they will need to progress on their mobile journey.
• Happen by Airsign Technologies: allows users to get information on a range of different topics, including daily news, weather, sports scores or stock quotes. The information is presented in a format adapted to each user's needs, either visually (with big texts and buttons and customizable colour themes), motor based (with different navigation modes) or supporting complete spoken feedback.
• Jaccede by jaccede.com: catalogues places that are accessible to people with a disability. Useful information, such as whether the entrance is step-free, whether toilets are accessible, etc is displayed alongside photos, user comments and other relevant information.
• Ablah by Ablah: an augmentative communication application, using images, text and sounds.The user can communicate with others by making the device speak for them. The backlit display has been found to be particularly successful with autistic children.

Great apps that we will make sure to integrate in the GARI database when we open it in the next months to catalogue accessible apps that make the life and inclusion of persons with disabilities easier.

More information about the Vodafone Foundation Smart Accessibility Awards: http://developer.vodafone.com/smartaccess2012/home/
More information about the 12 finalists: http://developer.vodafone.com/smartaccess2012/saa-2012-finalist/

Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all

… is the theme of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2012. Around the world, events and get-togethers are organised on 3 December to raise awareness and discuss openly solutions to better integrating persons with special needs in society. 

We would welcome your thoughts on what barriers you see in relation to mobile phones and tablet devices as well as what accessibility means to you. We would also like to know what are the most important mobile phone features for you  - so join the conversation on Twitter with #a11y #IDPD and let us know!

And what about your favourite accessibility related apps - which have made the most impact to you and why? We are working on a new feature for apps within GARI and we hope that it will help provide an even better picture of the usefulness of a device to you. We'll say more about that shortly, but for now, it would be great to hear your thoughts on apps, what makes them useful and which ones are already helping you.  

In the meantime, join in the actions planned in celebration of 3 December and we look forward to your feedback about what you are looking for in terms of accessibility features.