Accessible Hardware

Accessibility in hardware design is crucial and can benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities. Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Multi-Sensory Access: Ensure that information is available through multiple senses. For example, visual information should also be accessible through audio or tactile means. This helps users who may have impairments in one sense but can use another.

  2. Inclusive Design: Avoid designing products that rely solely on one type of input, like visual or auditory. Consider alternative inputs like voice commands, braille, or haptic feedback.

  3. Bias Awareness: Recognize and address biases in design. Many products are designed with the assumption that all users have full visual or auditory capabilities, which isn't the case. Inclusive design practices can help mitigate these biases.

  4. Universal Benefits: Accessibility features often benefit all users. For instance, visual indicators can help users in noisy environments or those who prefer visual cues. Similarly, voice commands can be useful for hands-free operation, benefiting users without disabilities as well.

  5. Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to federal regulations and accessibility standards not only ensures compliance but also broadens your product’s market appeal. More people are likely to choose products that are easier and more intuitive to use. This can increase brand loyalty.

By integrating these principles into your design process, you can create products that are more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience. This not only helps people with disabilities but also enhances the overall user experience, making your products more competitive in the market.

The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) provides free training to both state agencies/universities and companies. DIR contracted with Level Access for 2023 for vendors. Companies can contact statewideaccessibility@dir.texas.gov with the names and email addresses of the people who need access to the vendor-focused training portal.

Need inspiration?

These resources can provide inspiration and practical insights into creating more accessible hardware products. Get inspiration from innovations in the news (scroll to the Hardware category).

Full Frame: Inclusive Design

This CGTN broadcast explores how architecture and technology can be more inclusive for people with disabilities. It features insights from experts like blind architect Chris Downey and tech accessibility consultant Paul Amadeus, as well as the visionaries behind the DeafSpace architectural principles. This program provides valuable perspectives on designing physical spaces that accommodate visual, motor, and auditory disabilities.

Lucy Greco’s YouTube Channel

Lucy Greco’s channel, "Know Before You Buy," offers practical examples of using everyday appliances and highlights the challenges and successes in their design for people with visual disabilities. Her videos cover a range of topics, from cooking to appliance reviews, providing a firsthand look at how accessible design can make a difference in daily life.

EIR Accessibility Coordinator