Welcome to our March accessibility news roundup! As accessibility gains more of a spotlight on the national and international stage, we find ourselves reading more and more about big wins and some disappointing oversights in the field. This month, we’ve picked three articles we think you’ll find interesting and informative.
The World of Seeing AI
Microsoft has improved its Seeing AI app by creating a photo exploration component. By touching parts of a photo, your phone will describe the image to you. You can learn more about Seeing AI here.
“You should have an easier time getting around whether or not you have pictures on hand.” – Jon Fingas
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
With all of the hype surrounding new product launches, sometimes the voices of reason get drowned out. This article shares what it’s like to deal with these “one-size-fits-all” products that just don’t work for you. Since the UserWay team is dedicated to developing accessibility options instead of prescribing single solutions, we appreciated the author’s take on the current, often inaccessible market.
“Life is messy and complex. People won’t fit a platform that oversimplifies and overlooks.” – Natasha Lomas
Accessibility & 3D Printed Furniture
Great news for anyone who has ever bought furniture that didn’t quite meet their needs (like the author above). IKEA & ThisAbles has come up with an excellent and customizable solution using 3D printers. While it’s only available in Israel right now, let’s hope other stores take note.
“This is less about profit and more about encouraging furniture makers to consider accessibility as an important feature, whether it’s built into a given design or available as an extra.” – Jon Fingas
