Appt shows how to make apps accessible

Why app accessibility matters

"I've been interested in this topic since I was a student, when I did some research into maximising the utility of applications for everyone. The study involved interviewing blind people and people with impaired vision to find out how they used their phones," recalls Jan Jaap. "They're able to use ordinary iPhones or Samsung smartphones, but they interact with them in a different way. By using screen readers, for example. It isn't only people with little or no sight who face challenges, though. People with motor impairments find apps difficult to use as well, for example. Functions such as voice control and switch control can offer a way forward." "By testing various apps, I discovered that many of them aren't really accessible to people with impaired vision. Plenty of app developers aren't actually aware of functions such as screen readers and voice control. Imagine what it's like when all your friends are using a particular app, but you can't! Or when you have to ask for help every time you want to buy online, because the retailer's app isn't designed with people like you in mind. Another thing my research showed is that people who can't see well (or can't see at all) often know only the basic phone operating gestures. They're typically unaware of the more advanced gestures. My conclusion was that, unlike website accessibility, app accessibility is a largely unexplored field. Paul and I decided we wanted to do something about that."

'Everybody apps'

"Paul and I started work on the Appt initiative early this year, and the website went live in April. The name Appt hints at app accessibility. The word is actually a verb in everyday Dutch, meaning 'use an app'. Hence our motto: 'Everybody apps'. Because everyone should be able to use apps. With Appt, our primary aim is to promote awareness, both amongst app developers and amongst app users. We also share know-how on the Appt platform and offer training courses to organisations on topics such as using screen readers, voice control and other functions. Another thing we do is test applications with existing accessibility options. Then we investigate possible ways of resolving any problems we've detected." "Our website also features a reporting utility for app users to let us know about non-accessible apps," continues Jan Jaap. "When a report comes in, we get in touch with the app developers on the user's behalf, to discuss ways of improving the app and making it more user-friendly."

Knowledge platform for organisations

"It isn't only public bodies that have to comply with accessibility requirements. Many other organisations are covered by laws and treaties, under which they're obliged to ensure that their apps and services are as accessible as possible. So we take an interest in the users and developers of apps in all sectors of the economy," explains Jan Jaap. "Within our team, Paul focuses mainly on the commercial side, such as making contact with companies. My responsibility is the technical side, developing our own app and sharing knowledge via the platform. We're currently progressing the initiative in collaboration with our external network. In due course, we'll make our knowledge bank available to the network as well, so our contacts can access know-how independently."

Support from SIDN Fund

"We received a significant grant from SIDN Fund, which enabled us to develop the free open-source Appt app. The app helps people with disabilities by providing detailed explanations of all basic and advanced gestures. There are also practical examples to demonstrate things such as how to use the rotor for navigation based on website headings. We're currently testing the app with the help of a group of blind people. Our aim is to launch the iOS version during Accessibility Week, which is 5 to 9 October." "In 2020, SIDN Fund placed particular emphasis on project proposals linked to the theme of accessibility and inclusion, because we believe that everyone should have equal opportunity to use the internet," says Marieke van der Kruijs, Project Coordinator at SIDN Fund. "Appt helps screen reader users to benefit from more advanced functionalities that most of them don't currently know about and that companies and representative organisations don't tend to draw their attention to. The Appt app also promotes awareness of screen reader functionalities amongst app developers and ergotherapists. One of the strengths of the Appt proposal was the thorough research the team had done into existing manuals and tutorials in order to demonstrate the need to facilitate advanced use. Knowing how to use advanced features can make browsing easier."

Taking full advantage of digital opportunities

"Ultimately, we want all apps to be fully accessible to everyone. By sharing knowledge, promoting awareness and providing training, we are seeking to move towards a situation where app developers produce accessible apps without outside influence. We're also working to educate users about advanced gestures and functions. The strategy is geared to taking full advantage of digital opportunities and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that apps are accessible to everyone." Want to make your app universally accessible? Download the TestFlight iOS version of the Appt app to learn more about accessibility options.