IBM Tool Makes Developing Apps For People With Disabilities Easier

IBM researchers have created a tool for iOS and Android apps that they say will benefit smartphone users with disabilities, including those who are vision and hearing impaired.

Announced at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the Mobile Accessibility Checker is a test which helps strengthen the accessibility features of mobile apps, and will also aid the elderly.

Usability issues

The checker helps developers identify and correct usability issues early in development to deliver a friendlier mobile user experience.

The tool automatically alerts developers to accessibility breaches, such as colour contrasting and keyboard navigation and focus, and recommends corrections to help developers adhere to industry standards and government regulations.

Frances West, an IBM accessibility officer, said: “Mobile technology has sparked a new era of opportunity for people of all ages and abilities, yet many mobile apps have design flaws that prevent people with disabilities and the elderly from using them effectively.

“Our researchers saw an opportunity to address this by inventing technology that identifies and corrects usability issues early in the software development process. This makes mobile apps easier to use for people with disabilities, helps developers save on costs and satisfy compliance requirements, and drives greater inclusivity in our communities through mobile technology.”

IBM said that most current accessibility tools can only check for one breach element at a time and do not account for people with poor vision, so the contrast is not adjusted.

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