IBM Demonstrates Portfolio of Accessibility Technologies at PartnerWorld

IBM today introduced a range of solutions and developers’ tools that open up the World Wide Web and other information technology to the aging workforce and people with disabilities at its annual PartnerWorld Conference.

This portfolio of accessibility technologies enables ISVs/developers to make Web sites and IT systems accessible and further underscores IBM’s commitment to providing information technology that everyone can use.

Included at the PartnerWorld demonstration is IBM’s talking Web browser, the Home Page Reader version 3.04, a tool for developers to test Web pages for accessibility early in the prototype and design stage as well as after the content or application has been deployed. The software is now available in eight languages: Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Spanish, English, Thai and Japanese.

“Empowering people with disabilities to access to the Web and the other information technology must be a rising initiative for all companies and organizations,” said Jay Leventhal of American Federation of the Blind. “Web developers need innovative and effective tools to better enable them to build sites which can be accessible to the aging workforce and people with disabilities, a population that cannot be ignored in today’s world.”

“IBM’s accessibility solutions are designed not only to help companies and organizations meet government requirements for accessibility, but to move businesses beyond compliance. IBM envisions a true societal transformation where accessibility is not only good for individuals, but good for business and for society as a whole,” said Frances West, director of IBM’s Worldwide Accessibility Center.

IBM presents the new Home Page Reader, a talking Web browser, the aDesigner, an innovative accessibility testing software tool and Easy Web Browsing, software that enables computer users who have low vision to use the mouse. For people with cognitive or mobility limitations, IBM introduced Web Adapt 2 Me, a solution where users can change the size of the text, increase the line spacing, and convert the text and links to high-contrast colors that are easier to see.

With these solutions IBM empowers the user to create an accessible environment and gives businesses tools to create accessible Web products. For more information on IBM’s accessibility efforts and tools visit the IBM Accessibility Center.

Source: Market Wire