With the growing influence of information technology and social media in every sphere of life, it is now more important than ever for large tech companies to prioritize web accessibility. Here are some of the key steps that major tech companies are taking to make social media and online information accessible to all.
Facebook has been actively working to improve accessibility ever since it set up the Facebook Accessibility Team in 2011. To make keyboard navigation more accessible for people who don’t use a computer mouse or use a screen reader, the primary Facebook site has increased the use of lists, landmarks and headings, which are easier to navigate with screen reader keys.
The site also offers a wide range of Shortcut and Access keys to allow simpler navigation and provide easier ways to perform actions, such as search, share, and likes. To enhance the accessible Facebook experience, the company has introduced the following innovations in recent times:
In 2013, Google created a dedicated accessibility team, which works to ensure that its products and services are accessible to all. Every new Google innovation must now go through a standard accessibility test, which is now as integral to the process as security and privacy. Some of the prominent steps the company has taken to improve accessibility include:
Instagram has launched new features in recent years to make the social platform more accessible for persons with visual disabilities. One of the important introductions from the company is automatic alternative text, which lets the user hear descriptions of images via their screen reader when they use Instagram Profile, Explore and Feed.
This feature is based on the fast-developing object recognition technology, which makes it possible to hear the list of items a photograph may contain. In addition, the company is in the process of launching custom alternative text, which allows the user to add an enhanced description of images when they upload on the site. Anyone using a screen reader can hear that description.
Microsoft has been one of the pioneers in the field of web accessibility technologies, and is currently investing in artificial intelligence programs to boost accessibility. Here are some other helpful steps the company has taken in recent years:
Clearly, the fast pace of technological advancements can pave the way greater web accessibility, as long as the governments, corporations, and communities work with a commitment to create a more accessible and user-friendly digital world.