I dream of a day where accessibility is a default consideration for all innovation
The at home COVID-19 testing key to Australia’s pandemic recovery is not accessible to blind and low vision users, prompting warnings from advocates the sudden shift to self-testing has created an unacceptable risk to the community. Disability groups are now calling for a national approach to at home testing for vulnerable people to minimise the risk, warning only one state currently offers such a service. The instructions, administration procedure and results of rapid antigen tests (RAT) rely on visual cues and complex steps. More accessible tests with tactile or audio feedback are not yet available, leaving blind and low vision users, as well as other people with a disability, reliant on others to assist with at-home testing.
So do I Sarv! This is something I am quite passionate about From a personal and professional perspective.
I have just been invited to be industry expert by W3C mobile task force working on accessibility guidelines for mobile app development. So perhaps I can have a small influence there - cross fingers.
There is a long way to go on accessibility. Am looking at some research on assistive tech in NZ but have a couple of other projects to do first.
Another thought it is more than just those with vision impairment. There are many other issues such as dexterity/motor and literacy which all impact access.
