Assistive Technology Update - featuring AQuA

08/09/2015

News of AQuA's recently launched Accessibility Testing Criteria has spread far and wide, as AQuA was approached by Wade Wingler, Director of Assistive Technology in the USA, to give an interview on why AQuA produced this set of Testing Criteria and to raise awareness of how these set of tests help developers make mobile apps accessible. 

The interview is part of the Assistive Technology Update—a weekly dose of information that keeps people up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.

During the interview, Martin Wrigley explains the background behind why AQuA produced this set of Testing Criteria all about accessibility and describe how that with the help of the Mobile Manufactures Forum, AQuA Members and other industry contributors, this document was produced – which in fact is a perfect example of how AQuA operates: “AQuA uses the brains of our members to get things out in the industry”.

Martin also explains that although many web applications are created for accessibility, it is not so much the case for mobile. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that over 1 billion people are or will be living with some form of disability.  Martin delves into the different types of test within the Testing Criteria and also focuses on how an app should interact with different screen readers and Talk Back, highlighting the potential challenges in this area.

Listen to the interview or read the script here (to skip the adverts and listen to Martin's interview, fast forward to 8 mins and 35 seconds)

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