Digital Accessibility for the Visually Impaired

Digital Accessibility is very important. It builds a person’s confidence and provides them with alternative ways to almost do anything. Learn about digital accessibility from the perspective of my guest bloggers, the GESMV Vision Services Team. - Shari

When an individual is faced with the challenge of navigating the world after being diagnosed with an eye disease or condition, they may experience an overwhelming sense of grief, loss of or immanent loss of independence. Many find themselves struggling to accomplish tasks they previously had no problems doing, including things like simply searching the internet or attempting to access a digital platform.

Digital accessibility is essential for ensuring that people with visual impairments can access online content, services, and tools with ease, equity and independence - especially as more aspects of daily life move into a digital space. Visually impaired users frequently encounter issues such as poor keyboard accessibility, missing alternative text, and difficulties with the compatibility of the assistive software they use. Websites designed with only sighted users in mind often rely on visual cues with no alternatives. But accessible design can benefit everyone while removing barriers for visually impaired users. Following are some ways that is accomplished.

• Ensuring compatibility with screen reading software: Screen reading software converts digital text into speech or Braille. For these tools to function effectively, websites must use semantic HTML, proper heading structure, ARIA labels, and logically ordered content. Optimizing content for screen readers-such as using descriptive link text instead of “click here” makes navigation significantly easier for users with visual impairments.
• Providing alternative text: One of the most critical accessibility components is offering meaningful alt text for images, icons, and graphical information. Alt text enables screen readers to convey image content audibly or via Braille.
• Ensuring full keyboard accessibility: Many visually impaired users prefer or require keyboard navigation because a mouse offers limited precision without visual feedback. Research indicates that lack of keyboard‑accessible menus, links, and forms is a common barrier.
• Color contrast: Low color contrast makes text difficult or impossible to read for people with low vision or color blindness. The ADA notes poor contrast and color‑only indicators as leading accessibility barriers.
• Provide descriptions of audio/video: Transcripts of audio and audio descriptions of visuals in video content enable screen reader users to access full context.
• Inclusivity in design: User testing with visually impaired individuals is one of the most effective ways to identify and correct accessibility barriers.

The Vision Services team at GESMV provides training on assistive software and the use of accessibility features on various devices for individuals with visual impairments. This training can be conducted at home, on a worksite, or here at a GESMV service site. All training is personalized to the individual and their unique vocational or independence goals.

For more information on our Vision Services, visit Specialty Services.