10.30.2011

A Tool for the
Visually Impaired

For quite some time I’ve been thinking about ways that I could help those with visual impairments like macular degeneration and cataracts access and consume content on the web more easily. There are a number of solutions that currently exist – from screen reading applications to content manipulation options right in the browser, such as the zoom feature – but the consistent issue I find is that the solutions themselves are not very accessible.

Take a screen reader for instance: In order for a person with visual impairments to use this kind of software they have to purchase, install and configure the application and will likely need assistance to do this. Or, in order to zoom text in a browser, the visually impaired user will have to sift through application menu items that are not themselves “zoomed in” to a size that’s readable.

So I’ve been thinking. What if there was one standard tool that could rest on any site and manipulate content in a way that makes many types of content more readable to those with visual impairments at the touch of a button. What if that button sat in the same place and looked the same on every site? What if the results of this manipulation were standardized, researched and tested by a team devoted to accessible content and by those who might use such a tool?

This is of course all in early stages of deliberation so it’s easy to see a number of issues. I’d love to hear feedback or any thoughts you might have. Would you consider adding such a tool to your site? What would be the drawbacks of doing so?

If you'd like to provide feedback or even work on a project like this with me, send me a message.

« Go back to Articles :: Share your thoughts with me on Twitter »