Where It's AT – Assistive Technology Blog

ARIA Alert Roles

ARIA role=”alert” can be used for very important messages that a screen reader should read immediately, even if keyboard focus is not set to that element. ARIA alerts are typically triggered with scripting, such as when a critical form error has been detected. Because ARIA alerts are very intrusive (they read immediately regardless of screen reader status or focus position), they should be used with great care and only for very important messages.

Contributed by Joel Zimba, Special Projects Coordinator, MDTAP

If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to make up your minds and purchase those last minute gifts.

Here are a couple of pieces of simple, inexpensive and effective assistive technology.

• Reizen Quartz Analog Watch with 4x Magnifier by MaxiAids – an easy to see watch for someone with low vision. List Price: $29.95
• Super Phone Ringer by Ameriphone – A terrific phone ringer for someone who is hard-of-hearing. Knowing you won’t miss a call just because you didn’t hear the ringer is a great gift at any price. List Price: $36.95

But if you’re looking for something a little higher-tech, we have a few other last minute recommendations that just might put the finishing touch on the gifts for that special someone in your life. For example, a new iPad might fit under the tree more easily.  The smaller iPad Mini or a new iPhone 5 would nestle in a stocking just fine.  From accessible books to video sign language, iOS devices are sure to be a hit with most any user of assistive technology.

And if you regularly read the Assistive Technology Blog, you know we often discuss hardware and software from Apple or software running on iOS products such as the iPad and iPhone.  Did you know there is a way to get a discount on all kinds of Apple products every day?  Check out store.apple.com and click on the Refurbished Products section.  The selection changes daily, but the products listed are as good as new and are discounted anywhere from 10% to 30%.

Happy shopping and happy New Year from MD TAP!

If you’ve made the leap this holiday season and purchased an iPad with the Proloquo2Go communication app, then this free training series might be just the overview you need.

This free, online training includes an introduction to the app, information on how to customize the settings and vocabulary, and tips & tricks on how to get the most out of your purchase. Learn more at http://www.assistiveware.com/webinars.

Contributed by Lori Markland, Director of Communications, MDTAP

For many gals, purse shopping is a deeply personal pleasure – our bags represent our personal flares and our deepest philosophies. Shoulder or clutch? Crossover or hobo? But when you’re using a walker or wheelchair, many of these personal styles can be lost when options are limited, materials feel medical and practicality reigns over fashion. But it doesn’t have to be this way, and today we’re looking at some websites that sell beautiful, fashionable artistic bags for ladies of all abilities. All in time for the holiday season!

HDS Medallion offers a variety of designs and bags for all sorts of mobility aids including walkers, scooters, power chairs, personal shopping carts and more. Prices range from $50-80 and the company offers a variety of patterns and styles.

Amazon includes a variety of quilted bags, saddle bags, and baskets in a range of prices from $10 and up.

Terra Experience offers handmade Guatemalan walker bags in a variety of patterns and colors for about $45.

And for those who are feeling industrious, here’s instructions on how to make your own, customized DIY wheelchair totebag. This is great for taking your own artistic liberties and truly customizing style.

Please note that MDTAP is not endorsing any of these companies, websites or their services. The above links are for informational purposes only.

ARIA Roles and Native Semantics

ARIA roles enhance or change the semantics and meaning of page elements. Whenever possible, the proper native HTML elements should be used. For example, while role=”button” could be added to a scripted link that is used to submit a form, a native button element would provide this same functionality in less markup and without relying on ARIA.

Additionally, an ARIA role should not be used if it is the same as the default role of the element. For example, role= “button” on a <button> element, role=“grid” on a table or role=“checkbox” on a <input type=“checkbox”> would be redundant and unnecessary.

AT Stocking Stuffers, Week 3

Contributed by Joel Zimba, Special Projects Coordinator, MDTAP

Here’s an innovative new product which also makes the assistive technology list. The Nubrella, a new kind of umbrella, might be that gift for that difficult-to-shop-for family member who just has everything.

They probably don’t have a hands-free umbrella.  It’s not one of those umbrella hats.  It has a shoulder mounting system which can stabilize the Nubrella in fifty mile per hour winds.  You can ride your bike or pilot a wheelchair and still be protected from wind and rain by the Nubrella.

At time of publication, the Nubrella was $55.  That’s almost affordable enough to throw one into the office grab bag.