Mobile Accessibility

Many people and the majority in some countries carry some type of mobile communication technology (phone, tablet, computers etc.) with them throughout the day. We are constantly sending and receiving information. Most of the major carriers have included accessibility features. The concept of Universal Design is present in most of our new technologies which has supported access to many more users who require diverse interfaces to gain the same efficient and fluid access others have. There is a web accessibility initiative which is looking at this much more broadly. Take a look at some of the things they are doing: W3C Home. CTIA (International Association for the Wireless Telecommunications Industry) has a wonderful resource called Access Wireless. This is a great resource for information. Mobile Accessibility is another place to look at information regarding accessibility features. I have included some links to three carriers (there are many more) who provide information on accessibility. Use of these technology must be explicitly taught in the classroom. These devices (or a version of them) are going to be around for a long time. Our students need support in learning how to use these devices efficiently to support their independence and access. We cannot let our preconceived ideas of who can benefit from this technology cloud the need to learn and access it by almost all of our students in some manner.

Verizon

Sprint

AT&T