Web Accessibility Perspectives: Voice Recognition

Introduction

Web accessibility is essential for people with disabilities and useful for all. Learn about the impact of accessibility and the benefits for everyone in a variety of situations.

Video on Voice Recognition

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What is "Voice Recognition"?

Voice recognition can be used for dictating text in a form field, as well as navigating to and activating links, buttons, and other controls. Most computers and mobile devices today have built-in voice recognition functionality. Some voice recognition tools allow complete control over computer interaction, allowing users to scroll the screen, copy and paste text, activate menus, and perform other functions.

Who depends on this feature?

People with physical disabilities who cannot use the keyboard or mouse.
People with chronic conditions, such as repetitive stress injuries (RSI), who need to limit or avoid using the keyboard or mouse.
People with cogntive and learning disabilities who need to use voice rather than to type.

What are the additional benefits?

Content works for people with temporary limitations, such as a broken arm.
Content is more usable for people who prefer to speak rather than type, for example, while multi-tasking.

What needs to happen for this to work?

Content must be properly designed and coded so that it can be controlled by voice. keyboard compatibility is the basis for such coding. In addition, labels and identifiers for controls in the source code need to match their visual presentation, so that it is clear which voice command will activate a control.