Summary
You may be familiar with desktop screen readers like JAWS, and desktop voice control like Dragon Naturally speaking. You might know about WCAG, and popular automated testing tools for your websites. But what about mobile apps? How do accessibility techniques apply on the touch screen? As the entire world moves mobile first, your accessibility strategy needs to adapt. In this talk, we’ll introduce you to some of the changes that managing mobile-first accessibility correctly requires. We’ll cover some of the most popular assistive technologies on mobile, give you tips for automated and manual testing of your mobile apps, warn you of some of the pitfalls to watch for, and help you bring your mobile accessibility strategy to the next level.
Key Insights
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Mobile accessibility is essential as 54% of users prioritize mobile over desktop.
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Historically, accessibility efforts focused on desktop first, but this approach is outdated.
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Mobile devices provide built-in accessibility features that are more mature than those on desktops.
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A smaller mobile screen reduces distractions, simplifying navigation for users with disabilities.
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Touchscreen interactions offer more customization and ease of use for people with physical challenges.
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Voice control and Bluetooth connectivity enhance mobile accessibility options.
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Mobile platforms have clearer guidelines and standardized assistive technologies.
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Developers can benefit from reduced complexity in testing and implementing accessibility features on mobile.
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Accessible mobile design can be repurposed for desktop, enhancing overall user experience.
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Investing in mobile accessibility is future-oriented as everyone is likely to experience disability at some point.
Notable Quotes
"Mobile accessibility can actually be easier for developers and designers than desktop accessibility."
"Most modern mobile apps have features that aren't offered on desktop websites."
"The built-in accessibility support for iOS and Android is often better than on desktop systems."
"Mobile devices generally offer fewer distractions because of their smaller screens, aiding users with cognitive challenges."
"You can try accessibility tools on mobile without needing corporate approval, making testing much easier."
"Mobile offers a first-class experience for voice control, unlike many desktop systems."
"When it comes to accessibility, mobile can often provide more accurate and usable features than desktop."
"If you want to test accessibility features on mobile, they're right there; there's nothing to install."
"Transitioning to mobile-first accessibility can foster confidence among users with disabilities when interacting online."
"Accessibility is useful for everyone, and there’s an inevitable future where all of us will need accessible products."
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