Accessibility Offerings & Resources for 2021
Accessibility and inclusive design are currently at the forefront of discussion across various industries. With the combination of social distancing and increased time spent online in 2020, many companies are looking at the digital landscape of their businesses and the products they produce to ensure usability and website accessibility for all customers.
To help you navigate some new product offerings and tools that help with accessibility, we’ve put together a list of resources.
Accessibility Product & Service Offerings
SenseIT
SenseIT offers an automatic web accessibility testing tool. Its mission and vision are to provide businesses with a client flow that is accessible to everyone and to be the global leader in functionality testing for web accessibility, ensuring websites are compliant, functional, and user-friendly for everyone.
SimplyHome Firefly System
With the SimplyHome System Firefly, adults with disabilities can live with greater independence while giving their caregiver peace of mind knowing their loved one is safe. By communicating with multiple sensors to observe activities of daily living, the SimplyHome System Firefly supports the completion of daily routines by prompting the individual to complete a task or sending a reminder and proactively alerting one’s support team if assistance is needed. The Firefly integrates today’s most innovative smart home solutions with smart home technology that can easily be used by the individual with disabilities to control their home environment.
IBM Equal Access Toolkit
This toolkit by IBM offers guidance that helps to increase the accessibility of a business’ product and web design. According to IBM, their toolkit, “makes it easier to improve your product’s accessibility, whether your team is starting from scratch or needing to streamline a workflow.”
Resource Hubs for the Latest in Accessibility and Assistive Technology Solutions
LifeZest
LifeZest shares articles and resources that help people discover assistive technology solutions that are a good match for their needs. LifeZest has become a go-to resource for people looking for relevant information on the latest technology to promote independence and enhance one’s quality of life.
Disability Cocoon
Disability Cocoon is an, “enabling technology hub providing resources, educational opportunities, and inspiration for everyone involved in disability services & supports.” Check out their website to sign up for their latest Tech Huddle with an enabling technology vendor or sign up for their newsletter to stay informed on the most up to date information within the enabling technology industry.
The Arc’s Tech Toolbox
The Arc’s Tech Toolbox is full of products and websites all centered around empowering and supporting individuals with disabilities. You can customize your searches, by selecting keywords geared towards your area of interest in needs in independent living, employment, health, interpersonal relationships, or communication, just to name a few.
Shift
Shift is the industry’s first curriculum and online learning community that is standardizing the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to transform an organization into one that is Technology First. Through its varying accreditations, Shift is making enabling technology less intimidating and more approachable for advocates, professionals, provider organizations, and state agencies. In addition to providing credentialing, Shift offers an interactive online community for resource sharing and up to date information on the latest in enabling technology and tools that promote accessibility and independence.
Additional Articles and Resources
LifeZest: How One Company Is Changing Lives By Sharing Solutions
Top 5 Assistive Technology Resources
Need Medical Care During COVID? Telehealth Might Be Your Solution
Learn how assistive technology can help you or a loved one.