Accessibility and Research Services

We are experts in accessibility at The Carroll Center for the Blind. Our services empower individuals who are blind to develop the skills necessary to ensure that websites and products are not only accessible but also user-friendly. In addition, we collaborate with researchers and companies to enhance the accessibility and usability of new products and websites, while also providing feedback on functionality. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that digital resources, websites, mobile devices, and consumer products are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. By working with us, your brand can set an example and become a leader in your industry by demonstrating your commitment to accessibility. Below is a list of our accessibility training and research services, which are designed to support your goals.

Usability Study Recruitment and Hosting

Consumers who are blind and/or visually impaired represent a unique market segment. We maintain a constantly updated list of participants who can provide input on your content or product and how it functions for blind and low vision users, including those with other types of disabilities. If you have a research study, user testing opportunity, or other project that requires capable participants, please contact us. We can provide all of the related optional screening, selecting, scheduling, and facility hosting services, too, as required.

Allow us to help you recruit Blind and VI consumers to provide valuable input when you are developing products or services. With our extensive knowledge and expertise, we’ll make sure you get suitable candidates for a project or study. The Accessibility Research team can help you recruit testers who are blind or low vision, by providing access to our unique database. Testing products such as software, applications, phones, televisions and other technological devices as early in the development stages as possible will ensure that your product can be used and enjoyed by everyone. To learn more about how we can customize the recruitment to meet your specific needs, please contact us today.

Screen Reader User Tester Training Program

During the seven-week Screen Reader User Tester Training Program, you’ll learn and grow your ability to professionally explore, test, and report findings regarding the accessibility of websites, mobile applications, and PDF documents. Builds upon skills to deepen your knowledge of devices, web browsers, applications, and strategies, focusing on using it to assess digital accessibility based upon the WCAG standards and requirements.

Have Additional Accessibility Needs?

For comprehensive and customized accessibility solutions that meet your unique needs, turn to our trusted partner, Level Access. The Level Access digital accessibility solution combines the most robust platform and deepest bench of accessibility expertise to help organizations create accessible and legally compliant websites, mobile apps, software, and other technology. Learn more about their services and how they can help you make your digital products and services more accessible.

The Accessibility Bootcamp (TAB)

Current College or High school students interested in accessibility, generative AI, and maximizing productivity with Microsoft and Google apps who also intuitively interact with desktop websites with either Job Access with Speech (JAWS) or Non Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) will be a perfect fit for this unique opportunity to dive into the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)!

By completing this opportunity, students will gain valuable skills in web accessibility, generative AI, and productivity tools such as Microsoft and Google apps, which are highly sought after by employers in various industries. These skills will enable them to contribute to a more inclusive and accessible web and increase their competitiveness in the job market.

What You’ll Learn

  • JAWS and NVDA settings for accessibility testing
  • Hypertext markup language (html) element semantics
  • Creative screen reader interaction techniques for navigating desktop websites
  • Written and verbal accessibility testing reporting
  • Gmail and Google Calendar communication and event management
  • Leveraging Chat GPT to accelerate productivity and independent learning
  • Incorporating WCAG into accessibility testing to derive meaningful insights

Prerequisites

  • You type at least 30 words per minute with at least 90% accuracy
  • You use JAWS or NVDA on a regular basis
  • You have your own Windows laptop or desktop
  • You use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Firefox on a regular basis
  • You use Microsoft Office or Google Workspace on a regular basis
  • You produce written content with a high level of clarity
  • You independently manage your own email communication

Program Information

  • When: July 31-August 11, 2023
  • Weekdays, 10:30-12:00 and 1:00-2:30 Eastern Time
  • Who: Native screen reader users presently enrolled in college or high school
  • Where: Remote using Zoom video conferencing

I’m Interested! What Do I Do Next?

If interested in TAB, please complete this Google form. Interviews will be conducted starting in June 2023. Funding may be obtained from your state VR agency. If you have questions, please email Nick.corbett@carroll.org.

If the above Google Form link does not work, please copy and paste the following URL into your web browser:

https://forms.gle/CSHKsMoaDWDvDSw88