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 critical in a mobile-first world.
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Features unique to mobile devices can enhance accessibility.
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Accessibility should be integrated from project inception, not just retrofitted later.
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Built-in accessibility tools on mobile are often superior to desktop tools.
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Using mobile results in a simplified interface, reducing distractions.
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Easier access to location services improves user experiences for navigation.
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Mobile devices facilitate frequent updates and security features beneficial for users.
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Starting accessibility work with mobile is more practical for teams and organizations.
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Mobile accessibility testing is straightforward with built-in tools.
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Knowledge gained from mobile accessibility practice can be transferred to desktop design.
Notable Quotes
"Mobile accessibility should be the focus, not an afterthought."
"54% of people used mobile first in 2021 and that number is continuing to grow."
"Mobile devices offer built-in accessibility features that are often more advanced than what's available on desktop."
"Starting with mobile can provide accessibility wins for users with disabilities."
"It's easier for developers to focus on mobile due to fewer compatibility issues."
"Mobile screens allow for more intuitive positioning and usability."
"Civic design must adapt to how users actually access services today."
"Mobile enables easier voice control than desktop environments."
"Accessibility is an ongoing process, not a one-time effort."
"Engaging users throughout the development process is essential for meaningful accessibility improvements."
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