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{{short description|Ability of a computer system to be used by all people}}
'''Computer accessibility''' refers to the [[accessibility]] of a [[computer system]] to all people, regardless of [[disability]] type or severity of impairment. The term ''accessibility'' is most often used in reference to specialized hardware or [[software]], or a combination of both, designed to enable the use of a computer by a person with a disability or impairment.
== Accessibility
Accessibility features are meant to make the use of technology less challenging for those with disabilities. Common accessibility features include [[Text to Speech|text-to-speech]], [[Closed captioning|closed-captioning]], and [[keyboard shortcut]]s. More specific technologies that need additional hardware are referred to as [[assistive technology]].<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Wu|first1=Ting-Fang|last2=Meng|first2=Ling-Fu|last3=Wang|first3=Hwa-Pey|last4=Wu|first4=Wu-Tien|last5=Li|first5=Tien-Yu|date=2002|editor-last=Miesenberger|editor-first=Klaus|editor2-last=Klaus|editor2-first=Joachim|editor3-last=Zagler|editor3-first=Wolfgang|chapter=Computer Access Assessment for Persons with Physical Disabilities: A Guide to Assistive Technology Interventions|title=Computers Helping People with Special Needs|volume=2398|series=Lecture Notes in Computer Science|language=en|publisher=Springer Berlin Heidelberg|pages=204–211|doi=10.1007/3-540-45491-8_44|isbn=978-3-540-45491-5}}</ref>
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*Motor or dexterity impairment such as [[paralysis]], [[cerebral palsy]], [[Developmental coordination disorder|dyspraxia]], [[carpal tunnel syndrome]], and [[repetitive strain injury]].
[[File:Accessibility - a11y.svg|thumb|a11y, numeronym of accessibility illustrated]]A topic closely linked to computer accessibility is [[web accessibility]]. Similar to computer accessibility, web accessibility is the practice of making the use of the [[World Wide Web]] easier to use for individuals with disabilities.<ref name=":3" />
Accessibility is often abbreviated as the [[numeronym]] '''''a11y''''', where the number 11 refers to the number of letters omitted.<ref name="roselli-2016">
{{cite web
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}} Evolving blog.
</ref> This parallels the abbreviations of [[internationalization and localization|''internationalization'' and ''localization'']] as ''i18n'' and ''l10n'', respectively. Moreover, ''a11y'' is also listed on the [[USPTO]] [[Supplemental Register]] under Accessibility Now, Inc.<ref name="roselli-2016"/>
== Special Needs Assessments ==▼
People wishing to overcome an impairment in order to use a computer comfortably may require a "special needs assessment" by an assistive technology consultant (such as an [[occupational therapist]], a [[rehabilitation engineering technologist]], or an [[Educational Technologist|educational technologist]]) to help them identify and configure appropriate assistive technologies to meet individual needs. Even those who are unable to leave their own home or who live far from assessment providers may be assessed (and assisted) remotely using [[remote desktop software]] and a [[web cam]]. For example, the assessor logs on to the client's computer via a [[broadband]] [[Internet]] connection, observes the user's computer skills, and then remotely makes accessibility adjustments to the client's computer where necessary.▼
== Accessibility options for specific impairments ==
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=== Effects in the workplace ===
Computer accessibility plays a large role in the workplace. In the past few years, adults have had their disabilities accommodated by the ability to work from home and by the availability of reliable software. This allows workers to work in a comfortable area while still being able to support themselves. This is allowing thousands of people with disabilities to create and earn jobs for themselves. The inexpensiveness and reliability of computers has facilitated the process.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/01/technology/computer-technology-opens-a-world-of-work-to-disabled-people.html|title=Computer Technology Opens a World of Work to Disabled People|last=Joachim|first=David S.|date=2006-03-01|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-12-13|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
▲People wishing to overcome an impairment in order to use a computer comfortably may require a "special needs assessment" by an assistive technology consultant (such as an [[occupational therapist]], a [[rehabilitation engineering technologist]], or an [[Educational Technologist|educational technologist]]) to help them identify and configure appropriate assistive technologies to meet individual needs. Even those who are unable to leave their own home or who live far from assessment providers may be assessed (and assisted) remotely using [[remote desktop software]] and a [[web cam]]. For example, the assessor logs on to the client's computer via a [[broadband]] [[Internet]] connection, observes the user's computer skills, and then remotely makes accessibility adjustments to the client's computer where necessary.
== Standards and regulations regarding computer accessibility ==
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