Welcome to the Talent Lab Tech Notes blog! Explore tips, perspectives, and news from our team of accessibility and usability experts and AFB Talent Lab participants in this collection of articles that’s updated monthly.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rewriting the rules of digital communication. Text is written in seconds, images appear with a single prompt, and now – without lifting a finger – you can get a caption for almost any photo. Alt text, the essential descriptive layer that blind and low vision users rely on to make visual content meaningful, is being auto-generated everywhere: from Facebook and Twitter to even LinkedIn and Microsoft Office.
Social Media has become a place where we can come together to post about our pets, have a quick laugh, and congratulate each other on achievements. However, with the inherent reliance on images in these platforms, the full scope and value of these interactions may not apply to everyone if alternative text is not available. Alternative text, or alt text, is a short and concise description of the visual information in an image, which is particularly useful for individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Many of us are familiar with the subtitles and captions that help us follow along when music swells over dialogue in movies and TV shows. But what if you couldn’t see the myriad of stunning visuals that bring your favorite performances to life? Instead of words written out on a screen, you would need a voice to guide you. Insert audio descriptions here. This often overlooked form of accessibility is essential for the 2.2 billion blind and low vision (BLV) folks worldwide that rely on it to experience content in meaningful ways, both personally and professionally.
Implementing accessibility can seem like an overwhelming challenge, especially when resources are limited. Whether you're part of a small independent team trying to make a big impact or an individual in a large organization, achieving perfect accessibility standards can appear nearly impossible. The sheer volume of guidelines, technical requirements, and best practices can leave even the most well-intentioned developers feeling defeated before they begin.
As we delve deeper into 2025, the rapid speeds at which technology is advancing is showing no signs of slowing down. From the invention of wireless flying robots with a wingspan smaller than a penny, to the nearly daily developments made to generative artificial intelligence (AI), it can be tricky to keep up with everything. The field of digital accessibility is no stranger to these innovations, either.
It’s 2025, and for many, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are an ordinary part of everyday life. From smart home routines to virtual assistants and chatbots, both automation and AI have proven to be quite versatile and handy in a multitude of ways. With that being said, it is also the case that automation and AI currently do not address or solve every problem on their own; this is especially true in the realm of digital accessibility.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "We must be as courteous to a person as we are to a picture, which we are willing to give the advantage of a good light."
As time passes, technology becomes more commonplace and increasingly crucial for most aspects of life, be it work, school, or leisure. As we integrate and evolve with digital spaces, equal access to technology and digital resources is essential for people with disabilities to ensure they can fully participate and engage with the world. That is our mission– to create a world of endless possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision.
Technology is making exciting strides in bridging accessibility gaps for individuals with visual impairments. Through the integration of sound, specifically binaural soundscapes, accessible technology is creating new avenues for blind individuals to access information, navigate their surroundings, and engage in a diverse range of activities. But how does this work, and what is the science behind the creation of binaural soundscapes?
In a world increasingly driven by buzzwords, phrases like "diversity" and "inclusion" often dominate headlines and advertisements. These terms signify a positive societal shift towards valuing differences, particularly in workplaces, educational institutions, and corporations. However, beneath the surface of these catchphrases lies a profound challenge: the need to truly understand and appreciate their essence, especially in the context of disability.