Professional development/Design thinking/Assistive Tech Resources
AT (assistive technology) resources are online tools to help users navigate different learning content and information regarding devices designed for accessibility.
Accessibility Design Considerations
Ensure that when you design your UI for clients having accessibility needs, you take into considerations the colours you use.
- This website and this website based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is a great resource that was suggested by a client who works in accessibility!
- This website also has great infographics for do’s and don'ts on designing for different accessibility groups.
- This University of Sussex page with a few pre-loaded colours can be a very useful tool for this as well. Notice how the uOttawa official backdrop colour scores well with white text.
- This website allows you to upload a picture and see it through the eyes of someone with colour blindness.
Different Types of Switches
A switch is an accessibility tool that can be used to control technology such as computers, smartphones, communication aids, powered wheelchairs, light switches, etc. They are used for people who have limitations in mobility or cognition. Because a switch only has the option of yes/on or no/off, it allows for more precise communication.
The following links are to websites that explain the differences between multiple types of switches. This should be your first step when determining what switch you will use in your design.
- Introduction to 7 common adaptive switches
- Adaptive switches and switch access in accessibility testing
Aux Port Cords
Many designs for accessibility involve an aux cord to connect switches to various devices. It’s important to consider that each client or user that will use your prototype will have different needs when it comes to their abilities. Keep this in mind and ensure you are using as many universally adaptive subsystems as possible like the Universal aux cord or the breadboard friendly headphone jack. This allows a user to connect any switch that works for them to your device.
The Inclusive website and Enabling devices show a variety of switches and materials to use them.
Makers Making Change
Resources
Makers making change has many resources for assistive tech. This is a list of beginner friendly tutorials and guides for you to get started on projects.
Assistive Devices
Makers Making Change also has a website that includes a Library of assistive devices they have had volunteers create for people. This is a great resource for assisting in the design process as well as benchmarking and prototyping existing products.
They have many more Open AT resources that can be explored through this link to their homepage Here
Instructables
Instructables is a website that combines tips & tricks of different tools with workshops, designs, crafts, and more! They integrate learning with hands on examples just like your labs!
You can search up any key words like Assistive tech and filter through different tools such as laser cutting and 3D printing.
Resource Library for Inclusion & Accessibility
The Rick Hansen Foundation has an online library full of e-books, lessons, activities, videos, and more on the importance of accessibility. This is a great resource for empathy and perspective for GNG 2101 projects. The library is completely free for anyone to use and can be accessed Here.