inSuit guarantees keyboard navigation for visually impaired individuals

In the digital age we live in, the Internet has become a fundamental tool for accessing information, services, and opportunities. However, for visually impaired people, navigating the web can be a challenge. 

Fortunately, keyboard navigation emerged as an effective solution to overcome these barriers and provide visually impaired people with the independence and equal access they rightfully deserve.

The Accessibility Platform inSuit Tools® offers users eight accessible navigation interfaces. One of them is the keyboard navigation interface, which activates a series of technical aids that allow all people to:

• Navigate with the keyboard using inSuit Keys®, without the need to use the mouse or see the screen.
• Listen to the reading of web content through inSuit Aloud®, a cloud-based screen reader that relieves the user of the need to have a paid screen reader license like JAWS, Dolphin, etc. for their device or computer.
• Increase or decrease the reading speed.
• Have ANI®, our Intelligent Navigation Assistant. ANI® is an advanced Artificial Intelligence that detects and identifies each of the web sections and assigns them a numerical beacon. When content reading is activated, it reads the number of the beacon and the descriptive title of the area assigned to that numerical beacon. This allows the user to easily navigate the web through the keyboard, so that to access a specific section or content, they only need to press the number assigned to the corresponding beacon.

Its use is very simple and intuitive. To access this interface, users only need to open the inSuit Tools® options menu and select the “Keyboard Navigation” interface.

Once chosen, the system will start reading the web content, facilitating its understanding and tracking at all times. This feature provides a more immersive and accessible experience, allowing visually impaired people to fully enjoy everything the web has to offer.

It is worth mentioning that inSuit has also thought about all those visually impaired users who have screen readers and for this, they have developed the interface we have called “Optimized for screen readers”, which optimizes the web page with required accessibility criteria so that the user can navigate without any barriers on the web using their own screen reader.

Benefits of keyboard navigation for visually impaired people

Through keyboard commands and shortcuts, users can move quickly and efficiently through the various elements of the web page, interact with links, play multimedia content, fill out forms, and much more. 

This form of navigation is particularly relevant for those who do not have a license for screen readers or assistive technologies, as it provides them with total control over their online experience for free.

Within the benefits that the keyboard navigation of inSuit Tools® leaves, we can find:

• Greater autonomy: By mastering keyboard commands and shortcuts, users can access web content, interact with online applications, and communicate without having to depend on the help of others.
• Speed and efficiency: Once users become familiar with the keyboard commands, they can quickly scroll through links, jump between headers, and navigate menus, saving time and effort compared to mouse-based navigation.
• Access to interactive content: Thanks to specific keyboard commands, they can fully enjoy online experiences and participate in activities that would otherwise be inaccessible to them.
• Greater accuracy: Keyboard navigation provides greater accuracy when moving through different elements of the page. Specific keyboard commands allow users to focus on an item and perform actions smoothly.
• Adaptability to different devices: This means that visually impaired people can access the internet from any device and anywhere, without limitations.

inSuit Tools® keyboard navigation beyond visual impairment

Not only visually impaired people can benefit from the keyboard navigation offered by inSuit Tools®, this interface can also be taken advantage of by people who experience difficulties due to neurological problems or degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, which affect their fine motor skills in the hand. 

In addition, it can also benefit older people or those with low digital competence, who may find obstacles when using the mouse. As well as those who suffer from pains or have contraindications for its use, such as back and shoulder problems.

Or it can simply become the ideal option for people who prefer to use the keyboard instead of the mouse. For all these reasons, it is important to recognize that the keyboard is a valuable alternative that provides an accessible and versatile way of interacting with technology.

Promoting barrier-free navigation

It is essential that web developers and designers take into account keyboard navigation and apply accessibility practices on their websites. 

This implies that they should ensure that navigation elements, links, and interactive functions are accessible through keyboard commands, in addition to providing clear and concise descriptions for images and visual elements.

As technology evolves, it is essential to continue advancing in digital accessibility to ensure that all people, regardless of their abilities, can fully take advantage of the benefits of online navigation. 

If you are encouraged to make your website fully accessible, do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to show you live how our Accessibility Platform inSuit Tools® works.