In my educational technology class last semester, my class learned how to manipulate a computer’s settings to help a student with a sight or hearing impairment better use the computer. Some of the things we learned about were how to make the computer screen flash when an error occurred rather than the traditional buzzer/warning sound in order to help students with hearing loss. Additionally, we learned about voice activated software and how to magnify a computer screen in order to aid students with vision problems.

However, I have never given much though to accessibility software outside of the classroom…which brings me to the point of this post. This summer, when I was buying tickets for an Indians game online through Ticketmaster, I noticed accessibility software being used in everyday life. To buy tickets, one must enter a coded word to prevent hackers from disabling the system. However, the word provided is disguised and rather hard to read—even for people with good eyesight.

Therefore, I wondered what people with poor vision would do if they wished to buy tickets. My question was quickly answered, when I looked to the side of the page and noticed there was an audio option for visually impaired customers, which allows them to listen to a series of numbers—rather than read and type the word. People with vision problems can simply listen to the numbers and then enter them on the page in order to continue with their purchase.

I am including a link to the software provider’s website, that shows a picture of the security system and explains the system provides an option for those who are visually impaired.

http://recaptcha.net/