Where It's AT – Assistive Technology Blog

ARIA Application Role

ARIA role="application" can be used to identify web applications or widgets within a page. When a screen reader is within an element with this role, it functions in forms mode, meaning that when keyboard keys are pressed, they are passed to the web page rather than handled by the screen reader itself. This, however, can be confusing for the user if they are unaware that they are within an application. For example, a screen reader user may press the “H” key expecting to navigate to the next heading, but within an application, this functionality would not occur. Instead, the “H” key press would be passed to the application where it could trigger a “Help” dialog. Because of this potential confusion, role="application" should generally only be used on web applications that are handling keyboard events. When possible, inform the user that the application will be controlling keyboard interaction and provide a listing of the shortcut keys and their functions.

AT in the news for the week of 12/24 – 12/28

Thailand: Researchers develop new type of braille display for blind people

i-Transport robotic vehicle gets wheelchair-bound on their feet

Kid Genius Saves Lives With New Cancer Screening Technology (VIDEO)

Prosthetic Hand Is One Step Closer To A Cyborg Society

Exoskeleton Creates Real Life “Iron Man”

Why I’m not afraid of getting older

Making Social Media More Accessible

How people with disabilities inspire cutting edge technology

Augmentative Communication Talking Keyboard Designed by Chester Creek Technologies

Paralyzed patients test DIY assistive technology

Undersea therapy gives “tingling” sensations to paralyzed veterans

With the start of a new year just ahead of us, now is the perfect time to get all those 2013 goals listed and outlined, especially if employment or self-employment is on that list.

So if a job is what you’re thinking about, keep the WorkABILITY Loan Program in mind. Created to help individuals with disabilities finance many components of work, including computers, vehicles, work machinery and more, the WorkABILITY Loan Program offers low-interest financial loans for equipment to support employment. To learn more, visit MDTAP or call 1-800-832-4827.

AT in the news for 12/10 thru 12/21

Here’s just a small sampling of some of the biggest AT headlines from the past 2 weeks. Enjoy, and Happy Holidays from all the staff at MDTAP!

Videogames for the Blind?  

University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute launches new Assistive Robotics Lab

Mind games – thought controlled smartphones

Haptic assistive technology

TBoxApps Release Ground breaking Multi-Featured AAC Communication Aid

Research institute receives 2 robots

Technology lets disabled have run of the house

FEMA Continues Innovations to Meet Access and Functional Needs Integration

IBM: Computers Will See, Hear, Taste, Smell and Touch in 5 Years

Visually impaired protest at Amazon

Researchers Look To Make iPads More Accessible

“Smart Shoe Insole Holds Promise in Combating Gait Abnormalities”

Are we moving closer to a computer age where a touchscreen could be anything in your home?

Ghotit releases its Dyslexia Writing Assistant Application, the Ghotit Real Writer Pro

Access4Kids Input Device Allows Disabled Individuals To Operate Touch-Centric Tablets

Wiki launches Accessibility Toolkit to empower people with disabilities to use social media in emergencies

It’s about time. Voice & Touch Accessibility Skills Coming to Kindle in 2013

How a High Schooler Used Social Media to Help Seniors, One Shoe at a Time

Ohio mom creates app for her son who is a gifted cellist, and just so happens to have autism

2-1-1 Maryland provides a link to community health and human service resources statewide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 150 languages. From food pantries to emergency shelter to counseling services and substance abuse help, 211 is designed to provide pertinent information to anyone in Maryland at any time. Call or visit them online to search services.