14 Assistive Technologies For Blind Or Visually Impaired Aspiring Digital Marketers

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The above picture is of a man with corrective lenses sitting at a work desk on his computer.

14 Assistive Technologies For Blind Or Visually Impaired Aspiring Digital Marketers

At a time when technology is advancing rapidly, it can be difficult for those with visual impairments to keep up. For aspiring digital marketers, the pressure to succeed more than others is ever present. Fortunately, the past decade has seen significant advancements in assistive technologies for the blind and visually impaired, opening doors for aspiring digital marketers who experience these challenges. 

Assistive technology is an umbrella term used to describe any device or system that helps individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments to live more independently and participate fully in society. This includes technologies designed to improve a person's ability to see, hear, speak, move, learn, and communicate. 

This article explores the various types of assistive technologies, how they can help individuals in digital marketing, and the challenges they encounter in this career path. 

 

Digital Marketing Services 

The evolution of technology is felt in almost all facets of today's world, including business. Traditionally, marketing involves advertising on platforms like newspapers, television, and radio, among other channels. However, the marketing sector has grown, and traditional advertising is no longer enough.  

For your business to survive the cut-throat competition, you need digital marketing strategies like those offered at Digital Shift. The right strategy will help you grow your business and help you reach your goals. Some of the solutions you may enjoy include:  

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)  

• Social Media Marketing   

• Content Marketing  

While technology forces us to adopt, it also has its pros. For example, through assistive technologies, the blind can learn skills like digital marketing and make a career out of it. It helps that the skill is mainly implemented online. Therefore, just like other companies that can offer digital marketing services like Digital Shift SEO Services, you can also learn to become a professional digital marketer with the right assistive technology and proper use.

With that said, here are the different assistive technologies available to aspiring digital marketers who are blind and visually impaired and how they can use them to their advantage. 

 

Software Solutions 

Software solutions are one of the most powerful assistive technologies for blind and visually impaired digital marketers. Software solutions provide access to various marketing and communication tools like email and social media. The numerous types of software solutions available to assistive technology users are: 

1. Screen Readers 

Screen readers are software applications that enable blind and visually impaired digital marketers still aspiring to interact with digital content by providing a spoken output. These applications are typically used with other assistive technologies, such as braille displays and refreshable braille displays, to provide feedback for navigating around. 

Screen readers enable the user to access digital content without having to read it, allowing them to interact with the digital world in a more user-friendly manner. This is beneficial for blind and visually impaired digital marketers or those with difficulty understanding visual cues, as it allows them to create websites, write content, and manage SEO in a more user-friendly manner. 

It also allows these users to navigate websites and applications with read-aloud text and other information on the page. This is reasonably practical for digital marketers, enabling them to access and interact with online content without relying on sighted assistance. 

2. Voice Recognition Software 

Aspiring digital marketers who are blind or visually impaired can use voice recognition software to access digital content using voice commands. This innovative software enables users to create and edit documents and interact with other marketing materials. This type of software also prompts users to access content more conveniently, as they don't have to use a traditional input device. 

3. Screen Magnifiers 

An additional software tool that may be useful for all blind and visually impaired aspiring digital marketers is a screen magnifier. Screen magnifiers are designed to enable users to enlarge the text and images displayed on a computer screen. This is advantageous for visually impaired digital marketers, as it allows them to access and interact with online content without their sight and with ease. 

4. Optical Character Recognition Software 

Optical character recognition (OCR) software is also available. It reads text aloud by converting text from images, such as scanned documents, into an electronic format that can be read aloud by screen reader software. This ensures blind and visually impaired users access information from printed documents that would otherwise be inaccessible. 

5. Voice Optimization Software 

Voice optimization is another key software for blind or visually impaired digital marketers. This incredible software ensures content is optimized correctly for voice-based search engines so potential clients can find it more easily. Aspiring digital marketers who are blind or visually challenged may find this particularly useful because they may have trouble using a mouse or keyboard. 

6. Text-to-Speech Software 

Also, text-to-speech software is excellent for blind and visually impaired aspiring digital marketers. This software does the opposite of voice search software by letting users convert written text into audio, allowing them to access content that may otherwise be difficult to read. Text-to-speech software is available in many different languages, as well as a variety of voices, so users can select the one that best suits their needs. 

7. Optimized Websites 

Optimized websites are designed with accessibility in mind, meaning that people who have impaired vision can have an improved user experience. They create accessible and navigable content. 

They utilize head tags, descriptive alt text, and simple, straightforward designs to allow visually impaired digital marketers to interact with content more easily. They also use large fonts, avoid low-contrast text, and provide transcripts or audio cues for videos, enabling marketers to quickly navigate through the website and access the information they need. 

8. High-Contrast Text 

High-contrast text is designed for screens to enable comfortable reading for individuals with low vision. High-contrast text is usually larger and has a higher contrast ratio (the difference between the lightest and darkest colors on the screen) than regular text. This enhances the usability of digital content for marketers with low vision to read and access digital content. 

9. Note-taking Software 

The final software is audio note-taking software which records audio from lectures, meetings, and other events, thus aiding blind and visually impaired users to access information from presentations and recordings. 

Software technologies for blind and visually impaired aspiring digital marketers are a vital part of the success of any digital marketing strategy. These solutions help them access the digital sphere and take advantage of all its possibilities.  

It's also imperative to note that it helps when employers invest in some of these technologies. People with disabilities like the blind are given a fair chance and a conducive work environment to show up at work and deliver like their colleagues. 

  

Hardware Solutions 

In addition to the above software solutions, hardware solutions are also available for blind and visually impaired aspiring digital marketers to take advantage of. They include the following: 

10. Computer Hardware 

Computer hardware is essential for any aspiring digital marketer. For blind and visually impaired digital marketers, a specialized computer can be a great asset. Many computers come with features such as voice synthesis, making accessing digital content more manageable. 

Voice synthesis differs from voice-optimized or voice-controlled software in such a way that it doesn't rely on voice commands. Instead, it reads text aloud and allows users to navigate computers and websites by listening to audio directions. On the other hand, voice-optimized software utilizes voice commands to interact with computers and control software functions. 

There are also special mice available that are designed to help make it easier for people with vision impairments to navigate through websites and applications through a combination of tactile and audio feedback.  

Tactile feedback is provided through a trackball or joystick, which allows the user to move their cursor around the screen, while audio feedback is provided through audible tones that indicate the direction the cursor is moving. This enables users to navigate the user interface of their computer without the need to look at their screen. 

The mouse may also feature buttons that allow the user to perform specific tasks, such as opening a menu or selecting an item. 

11. Braille Keyboards 

One of the most popular types of hardware solutions is braille keyboards. Braille keyboards allow users to type using raised dots representing each letter of the alphabet. This makes it more effortless for those unable to see the traditional keyboard to type accurately and fast. 

By touching the pins, blind and visually impaired individuals can read the text and interpret web content. This technology can also assist aspiring digital marketers with web design and content creation. Very frequently, screen readers or voice recognition software are used in tandem with refreshable braille displays to provide the digital content's valuable output better. 

12. Refreshable Braille Displays 

There are electronic devices known as refreshable braille displays that make it possible for blind and visually impaired digital marketers to read and interact with content in a tactile manner. These devices consist of a series of cells or pins that can be raised and lowered to form braille characters representing text. 

For example, they allow people to read emails, access websites, and read social media posts. Refreshable braille displays can also help input information such as filling out forms, signing documents, and writing comments. Additionally, they allow people to take advantage of digital marketing campaigns and promotional materials by providing access to sales and discounts, loyalty programs, and more. 

13. Smartphones 

Smartphones are becoming popular with digital marketers for their ability to allow users to access the web and applications on the go. For aspiring digital marketers with blindness and visual impairment, smartphones have many features that can make them more accessible. 

For instance, most smartphones come with screen readers explicitly designed for blind and visually impaired users to access the content on their devices. Specialized tablets are also obtainable, including a plethora of programs and functions to access digital marketing resources and solutions. 

Further, there are other hardware solutions available, such as accessibility switches that allow users to control their computer with a single button or switch and other special keyboards designed to make typing more comfortable for those aspiring marketers with visual disabilities. 

14. Audio Books And Podcasts 

Audio solutions are another assistive technology that can benefit blind and visually impaired aspiring digital marketers. Audio solutions include audiobooks and podcasts, which can be helpful for those who are unable to read text from the computer screen. Audio books are recordings of books narrated by voice actors, while podcasts are audio recordings of lectures or conversations. 

Audio solutions are helpful for blind and visually impaired aspiring digital marketers in many ways. For example, audiobooks can introduce a new product to potential customers, as they can provide detailed descriptions of the product's features and benefits. On the other hand, podcasts are used to discuss current industry trends, engage with customers, and answer their questions. Further, these audio solutions provide helpful tips and tutorials to customers and share customer success stories. 

Assistive technologies can be valuable assets for blind and visually impaired aspiring digital marketers. These technologies can provide access to various marketing and communication tools and make it easier for those with disabilities to succeed in the field. With the right assistive technologies, blind and visually impaired individuals can overcome their physical limitations and pursue their marketing goals. 

  

How Can Assistive Technologies Help Challenged Aspiring Digital Marketers? 

With the help of these tools, blind and visually impaired aspiring digital marketers can create content, augment websites, and monitor their campaigns to maximize their impact on the digital landscape. This will guarantee that their content is accessible to a broader audience which goes a long way toward making their campaigns successful. Here is more on the same 

1. Organization and Productivity 

One of the most critical tasks for all aspiring digital marketers is staying organized and productive. Assistive technologies can help blind and visually impaired aspiring digital marketers to remain organized, focused, and productive. 

Organizational tools such as task managers, calendar applications, and voice recognition software can help blind and visually impaired digital marketers to keep track of their tasks and stay on top of their work. Additionally, productivity tools such as text-to-speech programs and voice recognition software can help blind and visually impaired digital marketers to proofread content quickly and accurately. 

2. Staying Connected 

Staying connected is also a significant part of any digital marketing job. Blind and visually impaired aspiring digital marketers can stay connected with the help of assistive technologies such as voice recognition software to help make phone calls, send emails, and participate in video conferences. Additionally, text-to-speech programs help assist blind and visually impaired digital marketers in reading emails and text messages. 

3. Staying Competitive 

As the field of digital marketing continues to develop and change, aspiring marketers must adapt to keep up. Assistive technologies can help blind and visually impaired digital marketers to stay competitive in many ways. 

For example, screen readers help blind and visually impaired digital marketers to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and strategies in the digital marketing world. 

Assistive technologies can provide aspiring digital marketers with the tools and strategies they need in the digital marketplace. By using AT, blind and visually impaired aspiring digital marketers can stay afloat in this era. 

  

Challenges Faced By Blind And Visually Impaired Aspiring Digital Marketers 

Blind and visually impaired digital marketers face many exceptional challenges when entering the digital marketing field. These challenges range from finite access to aids, complications navigating digital platforms, and the absence of awareness of assistive technologies. 

1. Limited Access To Resources 

One of the biggest challenges faced by blind and visually impaired individuals aspiring to become digital marketers is their limited access to resources. Many digital marketing resources, such as visual design tools, image editing software, and online marketing platforms, are not designed to be accessible to those with visual impairments. This can make it difficult for those with visual impairments to learn the skills necessary to become successful digital marketers. 

Additionally, many obtainable digital marketing resources aren't free or require a paid subscription. This also establishes an obstacle for marketers with visual impairments who may not have the financial means to purchase these resources. 

2. Difficulty Navigating Digital Platforms 

Another big challenge faced by blind and visually impaired aspiring digital marketers is the complexity of using most digital platforms. Many popular digital marketing platforms have features and functions that can only benefit if seen. This can make it challenging for those with visual impairments to learn how to use the platforms and to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in digital marketing. 

3. Lack Of Awareness Of Assistive Technologies 

Lastly, many blind and visually impaired individuals may not be aware of the assistive technologies available to them. Assistive technologies such as screen reading software can help those aspiring digital marketers with visual impairments access digital marketing platforms and resources. However, many individuals may not be aware of these technologies or how to use them. 

Many barriers exist for aspiring blind and visually impaired digital marketers. However, by taking advantage of the resources available and becoming aware of assistive technologies, those with visual impairments can overcome these challenges and successfully pursue a career in digital marketing. 

  

Summary 

Digital marketing is an ever-evolving industry and one of many individuals' most popular and lucrative career paths. However, for blind and visually impaired individuals, the challenge of entering this field can be unnerving. Assistive technologies have come a long way in making it easier for blind and visually impaired aspiring digital marketers to pursue their dreams. By leveraging the power of assistive technologies, challenged aspiring digital marketers can reach their full potential in the digital marketing space.