Blind/vision impaired Digital Technology & Online Media news

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Google takes much needed steps towards accessible documents

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Google has a history of questionable accessibility in its suite of document tools. This week the web giant took a step towards inclusive practice when it announced improved accessibility features in Google Docs, Sites and Calendar.

The improvements hinge on increased support for screen readers and the introduction of new keyboard shortcuts to assist blind users. For instance, when using spreadsheets, screen reader users will now hear the cell’s location and hear feedback when outside the main content area. The Calendar application now supports the JAWS, VoiceOver and ChromeVox screen readers and allows keyboard shortcuts for navigation between functions.

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Prize rewards best Australian websites: accessibility a key benchmark

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Nominations for the 2011 McFarlane Prize for excellence in web design are now open. The prize, commemorating the web pioneer Noel McFarlane, aims to encourage best practice amongst Australia’s web professional community.

The McFarlane Prize is awarded to an Australian web professional or team for a website launched or significantly upgraded between 22 September 2010 and 23 September 2011. Entries are individually assessed based on four judging criteria: accessibility, usability, design and coding. Past winners include Swinburne University of Technology and Museum Victoria.

Sarah Pulis, Manager of Digital Media and Technology for Media Access Australia, is the accessibility judge for 2011.

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New video game brings blind players out of the dark

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A new video game is being developed that caters for people who are blind or vision impaired. Voices in the Dark has been designed with accessibility in mind, and as it has no graphics at all, creates a rich sensory experience for those without sight.

The game creates a three dimensional environment which can be explored by relying on a player’s sense of hearing. 

Designer Pablo Mera explained his approach to the project. “We are not aiming at making a game for blind people... we are aiming at making an incredible new experience for everybody, that happens to level the field so blind people won't feel excluded.

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National Broadband Network to improve lives of people with disabilities

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The rollout National Broadband Network (NBN) presents an opportunity for the Federal Government and telecommunications industry to make a real difference to Australians with disabilities. Craig Wallace, a marketing professional and wheelchair user, argued in an article on the ABC’s Ramp Up website that these benefits need to be considered from the outset if they are to be unlocked.

In the article, Wallace argues that the NBN has the potential to bridge gaps between city and country, rich and poor, abled and disabled. “Work to address those barriers needs to happen now so that we build in the access features up-front and don't repeat the mistakes we made with poorly planned inaccessible built infrastructure and housing. Building it and assuming they will come is not enough.”

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