Assistive Technology
Assistive technology (screen readers, keyboards, voice control, magnifiers, captions, transcripts, and more) helps people with disabilities use digital content. When your site supports these tools, it improves accessibility, usability, and often SEO too.
Assistive technology is a broad term referring to any tool, software, or hard-ware device that helps a person access and interact with digital content.
It is not uncommon for people to think of complex functionality and specialized adaptive devices when they first think of assistive technology. It’s important to note that while some technology is in the form of separate devices or specialized operating systems, there are many examples of assistive technology that is already built into your own everyday software and devices.
Assistive technology can take many forms—and can be found in use across all demographics regardless of age, environment, or even disability status. It’s so common that even if you do not have a disability, there’s a high change you frequently use some of these assistive features without realizing it.
Categories of Assistive Technology
Screen readers
A screen reader is software or functionality that processes on-screen text and information about visual elements, then outputs them into braille or computer-generated speech.