| It was a dark and stormy night...
Actually, It was a late summer afternoon a little over ten years ago when I first began to get accessibility. Back then, I was working as a student web developer and sysadmin and we needed a system for a blind user to work on a paper. Simple enough—we had some new systems. Just grab one, install it, add the specialized software and we’re done. I was fairly happy about the job—it was my first time through this kind of configuration and I finished with plenty of time so I added on nicer (I thought) speakers and keyboard.
Our user came in and started to use the system—or at least tried to use the system. Everything started to fall apart. The keyboard was one of the newer (at the time) ergonomic keyboards, which the user had never worked with. The speakers were an even bigger problem. They came out of the box set to a low volume and I hadn’t thought to set them high so they could be controlled from software. The user’s began to panic when the interface to the system was completely disrupted. Two decisions that wouldn’t have usually been a problem turned the afternoon into a disaster.
Of course, the real problem was human, not technological. My mistake was in my assumption about how people use computers which, of course, was how I used a computer. I knew that blind users needed to use special software on their computers, but I didn’t consider the real difference in user experience. Later that evening, I got curious about my web sites—seeing how much difference something as simple as a different keyboard could make, how would my sites behave for users with screen readers instead of monitors and keyboards but not mice? |
|
|
 | | VHDL : Programming By ExampleTHE HANDS-DOWN FAVORITE USER'S GUIDE TO VHDLCOMPLETELY UPDATED TO REFLECT THE VERY LATEST DESIGN METHODS
CD-ROM WITH WORKING CODE EXAMPLES, VERIFICATION TOOLS AND MORE
No matter what your current level of expertise, nothing will have you writing and verifying concise, efficient VHDL descriptions of... | | Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis: A Journey to Health and Healing
Yoga for people with multiple sclerosis? Absolutely! Today, people with a wide range of medical problems use yoga successfully. Because of its emphasis on relaxation, breathing, and deliberate movement, it can be especially beneficial for individuals dealing with a neurologic disease like multiple sclerosis.
Yoga and Multiple... |
Kindle Paperwhite For Dummies
Rekindle your love of reading with Amazon's new Kindle Paperwhite and this fun and friendly guide
If you're the proud owner of a Kindle Paperwhite, you'll want to know all the best ways to get the very most out of it - and fast. That's where Kindle Paperwhite For Dummies comes in. This easy-to-follow... | | Digital Integrated Circuits (2nd Edition)Intended for use in undergraduate senior-level digital circuit design courses with advanced material sufficient for graduate-level courses. Progressive in content and form, this text successfully bridges the gap between the circuit perspective and system perspective of digital integrated circuit design. Beginning with solid discussions on the... | | The Seven Desires of Every HeartWe believe that God created us with seven basic, universal desires. Each of us desires to be heard and understood, to be affirmed, to be blessed, to be safe, to be touched, to be chosen, and to be included. Having and fulfilling these desires validates our very existence. If these basic desires are fulfilled, we will enjoy a deeper and richer... |
|
