Common Accessibility Features Every App Should Have
Essential app features: VoiceOver, captions, high-contrast. Checklist for developers to make apps inclusive for mute, blind, and motor-impaired users.
Editorial Team
Direct Answer Section
To be truly inclusive, apps must include screen readers, live captions, keyboard navigation, adjustable text sizing, and high color contrast. For mute users, enabling text-based input and haptic feedback is essential for a seamless experience.
WCAG Compliance Basics
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Level AA standards serve as the global benchmark. Features must be: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. Apps that fail these standards exclude approximately 15% of the global population.
Essential Features List
| Feature | Purpose | Mute Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Live Captions | Converts audio to text | Follow video/audio media |
| Text-to-Speech | Reads text aloud | Provides audible responses in chat |
| High Contrast | Improves visibility | Assists in clear visual communication |
| Gesture Controls | Touch-free navigation | Allows for non-vocal input methods |
Implementation for Mute Users
Prioritizing real-time text chat and support for emoji or sign-language symbols is critical. This level of digital inclusion ties directly into broader business accessibility goals.
Developer Checklist and FAQs
- Audit your app using the WAVE tool or similar accessibility scanners.
- Test your interface with actual users who have disabilities.
- Iterate based on feedback post-launch to ensure continued compliance.
FAQs
- Is this mandatory? Yes, accessibility is legally required in many regions under laws like the ADA.
- Which tools help? Developers should utilize Android TalkBack and iOS VoiceOver during testing.
References: ADA Web & App Rules
