Every May 18, World Day is celebrated to promote awareness of Web Accessibility. This year, the giant Google has reaffirmed its commitment to making the Internet and the Web accessible to everyone.
Currently, there are more than one billion people in the universe who have some disability. This is why it is essential to ensure that they can fully enjoy the information available on their devices.
What relationship does Google have with web accessibility?
The Internet giant has developed new features aimed at expanding access and inclusion for people with disabilities.
In fact, Google has asked developers and publishers to take accessibility into account when designing and creating products and applications.
Creating accessible applications not only ensures equal access for people with disabilities, but also benefits all users by allowing them to personalize their experience with the products.
What web accessibility features has Google developed?
The Internet giant has put its inclusive focus on the following areas:
- Accessibility-oriented development: By creating accessible applications, we not only ensure equal access for people with disabilities but also benefit all users.
- Accessibility resources for Android developers: To ensure accessibility, Google provides Android developers with different resources that allow them to design accessible content and perform accessibility tests.
- Android: Native accessibility features. These services include haptic feedback, speech synthesis, and directional or trackball navigation, enhancing the user experience.
- ChromeVox. Screen reader for Chrome OS. Through this, more exhaustive accessibility tests can be carried out and the quality of the applications can be improved.
- Chrome. Support for assistive technology. This ensures that visually impaired people can access the web more effectively and comfortably.
- Subtitles from Youtube. Subtitling options. Users can upload their own subtitle files, create subtitles from scratch, or use the auto-sync feature to generate subtitles from the transcription.
- Chrome extensions for better accessibility. There are very useful accessibility extensions that allow users, including those with disabilities, to personalize their browsing experience.
- Youtube Data API for developers: A practical example is the open source project ‘Youtube Caption Uploader’, which shows how any user can use the API to interact with subtitles
What is Google’s commitment to ‘pro’ accessibility?
Google has a strong commitment to accessibility, spanning from the early design stages to the launch of its products. A central accessibility team is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the accessibility level of Google products, as well as providing accessibility-related training, testing, and consultation.
In addition, training is provided to the different product teams to incorporate accessibility principles in their design and development. Google also seeks to establish close relationships with various types of users and support groups to receive their feedback and continually improve the accessibility of its products.
Website accessibility aims to ensure that the portals are usable by the maximum number of people, regardless of their knowledge or personal abilities, and regardless of the technical characteristics of the equipment used to access the Web.
Hence the importance of such important entities as Google continuing to support Web Accessibility. At ‘Your Accessible Web’ we can help you make your portals accessible. Visit our website for more information.
