What is the Role of AI in Enhancing Digital Accessibility?

In the digital age, ensuring that people can access online content is crucial. However, it is important to remember that some people need additional assistance when it comes to utilizing the Internet and other digital tools. Not everyone can see, move, speak, or hear easily, making accessibility an essential consideration for inclusivity. AI is revolutionizing digital accessibility, offering innovative solutions to long-standing challenges. Let’s take a look at how AI is making a difference.
Automated Accessibility Testing
AI-powered developer tools such as axe Accessibility and WAVE can quickly identify common accessibility issues, such as missing alt text and poor color contrast. These tools streamline the testing process, helping developers create more accessible content.
AI-Driven Assistive Technologies
- Voice Assistants: AI assistants like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa can help visually impaired users navigate the web, read text aloud, and execute commands.
- Screen Readers: Tools like JAWS and NVDA use AI to interpret complex layouts and provide accurate text-to-speech conversions.
- Real-Time Captioning: Services like Google Live Transcribe and Microsoft’s Presentation Translator offer immediate transcriptions for those with hearing impairments.
Personalizing Content
AI can tailor digital experiences to meet individual needs. For example, Microsoft’s Immersive Reader adjusts text spacing, highlights speech parts, and translates text, making content more accessible to diverse users.
Enhancing Image and Video Accessibility
- Image Recognition: Tools like Google Cloud Vision and Microsoft Azure Computer Vision generate descriptive alt text, helping visually impaired users understand image content.
- Video Captioning and Description: Platforms like YouTube and Vimeo use AI for accurate video captions, and services like Verbit provide narrated descriptions of visual elements.
The Future of AI in Accessibility
Overall, AI possesses the potential to vastly transform and streamline digital accessibility practices and programs. As technology continues to advance, we’ll see even more sophisticated solutions. However, it is important to remember that AI should complement human efforts, combining advanced tools with robust accessibility policies and ongoing training to create an inclusive digital world.
AI is transforming digital accessibility, from automated testing to personalized content. By embracing these innovations, we can ensure that everyone benefits from the digital era.

Upcoming Events
Designing Engaging Discussion Boards

July 17, 1:30-2:30 pm
Discussion boards are a great way to build community and low-stakes engagement in an online classroom. But how do we design discussion board assignments that keep students actively engaged in conversation throughout the semester? This training will cover several pedagogical approaches to active discussion boards and a variety of helpful discussion board tools you might implement in your courses. When registering, please include any questions you have about this training topic.
Facilitated by Millie Tullis, Digital Learning Strategist.
Registration: Designing Engaging Discussion Boards.
Clemson Online Summer 2024 Events Calendar

Review our Summer 2024 Events Calendar to see what Online Instruction Development opportunities await!
We have a robust lineup of topics and live training formats to support your use of Canvas and other e-learning tools. Topics cover demonstrations of using Kaltura, engaging your students, and workshops to get your Canvas site ready to teach!
All of our live training is recorded. Registrants will automatically receive a link to that day’s video after it has been processed.
Contact Millie Tullis with any questions regarding these sessions.

Clemson Online – Where Tech and Teaching Meet