Accessibility Lab: Sensory

Digital Perception Constraints

Loss of vision or hearing could happen suddenly or progressively, impacting our ability to interact with digital information systems. Assistive tools are required for access with vision loss while modification of content is required for access with hearing loss.

Moderate Vision Loss

People with moderate vision loss experience loss of visual acuity. They require assistive tools to augment their vision through magnification and/or adjustment of the contrast between text and background colours. Vision impairment simulators such as NoCoffee on Chrome help us experience a range of vision-related challenges like colour blindness, tunnel vision, cataract, and such. Don’t miss experiencing NoCoffee when you try out the hands-on exercises at the end of the page.

Profound/Total Vision Loss

People with profound or total vision loss cannot see the content and controls on the screen. They are usually unable to use the mouse as they cannot see the mouse pointer on the screen but they learn to touch-type on the keyboard. They require an alternative modality of perception such as hearing (screen reader) or touch (refreshable Braille display).

Deaf/Hard of Hearing

People who are deaf or hard of hearing require audio content to be augmented with text captions.

Assistive Technologies

Low Vision

High Contrast Keyboards

Users with low vision might use high-contrast keyboards such as the Keys-U-See® Keyboard. The large print keys with bolder, high-contrast typeface are easier to see, even in low light.

Keys-U-See High-contrast USB keyboard

Users with low vision might also magnify the display or improve color contrast through browser tools or operating system tools.