January 18, 2018
In this day and age, offering a level playing field when it comes to accessibility is important — and true accessibility for all users involves examining solutions from multiple angles. To stay ahead of the pack (and to stay on top of users’ needs), making new and existing forms of technology fully accessible is critical. Nearly 1 in 3 households self identifies as having a disability. While technological barriers may create a digital divide for those living with one or more disabilities, accessible technology — from captioning to Telephone Relay Services — offers better accessibility all around, for users of every ability.
Living with a disability or are you a caregiver for someone with disability? You already know that navigating day-to-day, integrated technology can be a real challenge. Voice commands and voice guidance options in technology (such as the voice remote from Cox) empower users of all abilities, but when it comes to accessibility for those with disabilities, such options become a truly necessary tool for daily navigation. With Cox’s Contour voice remote, you can simply use your voice to search for or record programs. Meanwhile, Voice Guidance lets users to choose a “talking guide” that reads out navigation options, program descriptions and more. You can easily request such video navigation equipment to replace current receivers by contacting Cox.
If you are visually impaired, there are a number of accessible technology features to help. Cox’s Video Description Service enacts audio-narrated video descriptions bringing a program’s visual elements to life. Cox customers who wish to activate this setting for enabled television programs can turn on the SAP audio setting (to resume regular audio, users can simply switch the setting back to primary audio).
Large-button remotes also make technology more accessible, and can easily be requested by contacting Cox. There are Braille and large-print options available for the visually impaired to take accessibility to the next level (and Cox customers can access these services for their bills at no extra charge).
For those with hearing impairments, interactions with technology can present additional and ongoing challenges. Users who have a Text Telephone (TTY) or a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) can use Cox’s Telephone Relay Service, where customers can connect with anyone using a standard phone. True accessibility is all about usability and user-friendliness — and Cox is committed to offering the best (and most comprehensive) experience to all customers of all abilities. Cox believes that creating products with accessibility in mind provides a better product for everyone.
