For blind and low-vision users to navigate and interact with digital content, screen readers are indispensable tools. Nevertheless, using Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint as slideshow software can be difficult when using a screen reader. This is since slideshow software usually uses Z-order—the arrangement of objects on a slide—to figure out how to navigate through the contents. The way a slide is arranged in two dimensions is not well represented by Z-order, making it challenging for blind users to comprehend the connections between various elements on a slide.
A11yBoard is a Google Slides extension created by a University of Washington research team with the goal of improving blind users’ accessibility to presentation software. A11yBoard is a phone app and browser extension that helps blind users interact and comprehend complex text and slide layouts by utilizing audio, touch, gesture, speech recognition, and search capabilities.
Features of A11yBoard
A11yBoard offers a variety of features to help blind users create and deliver presentations, including:
- Object exploration: Any object on a slide can be described by A11yBoard, including its color, location, and contents. This makes it possible for visually impaired users to comprehend a slide’s general structure and the connections between its various elements.
- Object navigation: With gestures, A11yBoard can assist blind users in navigating between objects on a slide. This makes it simple and quick for blind users to navigate to the object they wish to interact with.
- Text editing: With speech recognition, A11yBoard enables blind users to add and modify text on slides. This eliminates the need for sighted assistance when creating presentations for blind users.
- Image insertion: Users who are blind can add images to slides using A11yBoard. This makes it possible for blind users to produce multimedia-rich presentations.
- Slide layout creation and modification: Blind users can design and edit slide layouts with A11yBoard. This makes it possible for blind users to design intricate and eye-catching presentation layouts.
Benefits of A11yBoard for blind users
A11yBoard offers several benefits for blind users, including:
- Increased independence: Users who are blind can make and deliver presentations on their own without needing help from sighted people. Their sense of independence and confidence may grow as a result.
- Improved creativity: Rich content and intricate layouts can be created in presentations by blind users, something that isn’t always achievable with conventional screen readers. They are able to communicate their ideas more clearly and imaginatively as a result.
- Greater accessibility: Presentations can be more easily accessed by blind and low-vision viewers with the aid of A11yBoard. This can support diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace and in educational environments.
Case studies
A11yBoard has proven beneficial for a number of visually impaired users thus far. For instance, at a significant tech conference, a blind user created and presented a presentation using A11yBoard. The audience responded favorably to the presentation, and the users received praise for their originality and inventiveness.
A11yBoard was utilized by another visually impaired user to make a presentation for their university class. The user was awarded a high grade for their work, and the presentation was intricate and eye-catching.
Future of A11yBoard
The University of Washington researchers are still working to enhance and develop A11yBoard. The ability to support other presentation software platforms, like Microsoft PowerPoint, is one of the new features they intend to add. Additionally, they intend to improve A11yBoard’s usability for people with a range of additional disabilities.
Conclusion
A promising new tool called A11yBoard can assist in improving blind users’ accessibility to presentation software. A11yBoard can enable blind users to share their thoughts and viewpoints with the world by enabling them to design and deliver their own presentations.
Recommendations for making presentations more accessible to blind users
Presenters can take several additional steps to make their presentations more accessible to blind users in addition to utilizing A11yBoard. These consist of:
- Provide text descriptions of all images and charts. This will allow blind users to understand the content of the images and charts, even if they cannot see them.
- Use high-contrast colors. This will improve blind users’ ability to see the text and other objects on the slides.
- Use a clear and concise font. This will make the text easier for blind users to read.
- Avoid using animations and transitions. These can be difficult for blind users to follow.
- Speak clearly and slowly when delivering the presentation. This will give blind
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