This guide explains how JoVE has integrated the "AccessiBe" accessibility tool into our website to ensure an inclusive experience for all users. With AccessiBe, JoVE aims to enhance accessibility, ensuring compliance with global standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This tool empowers users with disabilities to navigate and interact with the JoVE website easily, offering a personalized experience that suits their unique needs.
What is AccessiBe?
AccessiBe is a cutting-edge, AI-powered accessibility tool that helps websites achieve full compliance with global accessibility standards. By leveraging artificial intelligence, AccessiBe scans web pages and dynamically adjusts them to make them accessible to users with various disabilities, including those who rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, and visual aids. Integrating AccessiBe into the JoVE website ensures a more inclusive and user-friendly environment for everyone, helping mitigate legal risks related to accessibility non-compliance.
Key Features of AccessiBe
When integrated into the JoVE website, AccessiBe automatically detects and resolves accessibility issues. Below are some key features offered by the tool:
- Screen Reader Optimization: AccessiBe scans the website and provides text-to-speech functionality for visually impaired users. It uses AI to recognize images and generate alternative text (alt text) that screen readers use to describe images.
- Keyboard Navigation: For users with motor impairments, AccessiBe optimizes keyboard navigation, ensuring that all website elements can be accessed without a mouse.
- AccessWidget Customization: Users can customize their browsing experience by adjusting visual elements through the AccessWidget pop-up menu. This widget provides options to modify the website’s appearance, making it easier to navigate and read based on specific user preferences.
AccessWidget Profiles:
- Seizure Safe Profile: Disables flashing visuals and adjusts colors to prevent triggering seizures.
- Vision Impaired Profile: Increases contrast, adjusts colors, and resizes fonts to improve readability for visually impaired users.
- ADHD-Friendly Profile: Simplifies the layout by removing distracting elements to help users maintain focus.
- Cognitive Disability Profile: Adjusts colors, contrast, and fonts to assist users with reading difficulties or focus challenges.
- Keyboard Navigation Profile: Activates enhanced keyboard navigation for users who cannot operate a mouse.
- Screen Reader Profile: Turns on screen reader functionality to guide users through the website.
How to Activate AccessiBe’s Accessibility Features on JoVE
To use AccessiBe’s accessibility features, you must enable them through your JoVE account settings. Here’s how:
- Log in to your JoVE account.
- Access the User Preferences Menu:
- After logging in, click on your username in the top-right corner of the page.
- From the dropdown menu, select "Manage Account."
- Activate Accessibility Support:
- In the "Manage Your JoVE Account" menu, scroll down to the "Accessibility Preferences" section on the right.
- Find the "Accessibility Support" toggle and switch it to "On." The button will change from grey to blue when activated.
- Access the AccessWidget:
- Once activated, a blue circular button with a person icon will appear on the left side of the screen.
- Click the button to open the AccessWidget menu.
- From this menu, you can adjust your settings and personalize the accessibility features to suit your needs.
By using AccessiBe, JoVE is committed to providing an accessible, user-friendly environment for all visitors, ensuring that everyone can easily access the educational content on our platform. For any further questions or assistance regarding the AccessiBe tool, please contact our support team.
We are constantly improving our platform to ensure accessibility for all and appreciate any feedback from our users.