Applause, known for its digital quality and crowd-sourced testing, has partnered with Cisco to enhance accessibility for the Webex Suite. They’ve checked eight Webex products against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards. This ensures they meet the needs of all users.
Cisco has significantly expanded its team of “accessibility champions.” By tripling this team, they’ve integrated inclusivity into the product development process, which has cut down on software development time and minimized bugs. Travis Isaacs, Webex’s chief design officer, highlights their commitment to improving collaboration by breaking down barriers related to geography, language, and tech familiarity.
Applause runs a diverse community of software testers who provide valuable insights through their varying devices and operating systems. They focus on including testers with permanent disabilities—like blindness and deafness—as well as those facing temporary or degenerative conditions. Bob Farrell, Applause’s VP of solution delivery and accessibility, emphasizes their goal to make digital experiences not only functional but enjoyable for everyone.
Engaging these experts and end users allows Applause to gather meaningful feedback quickly, enhancing quality and reducing the number of bugs before launch. Their program thrives on combining knowledge with accessibility testing and user experience research.
In July 2024, Suleyman Gokyigit, the blind CIO of the US-based organization FIRE, spoke about the potential of artificial intelligence to enrich software accessibility. He pointed out how AI can facilitate user interactions, making it easier to control tech through conversation.
In 2023, Cisco collaborated with Voiceitt, an AI solution aiding those with speech impediments. Voiceitt learns individual speech patterns, which Webex employs to improve understanding and provide real-time captioning and transcription.
Webex also focuses on users with visual impairments. The app features high-contrast mode, customizable layouts, and keyboard shortcuts. Cisco is committed to ensuring that Webex remains compatible with screen readers.
For users with hearing difficulties, Webex offers closed captions and allows meeting organizers to assign interpreters, including sign language interpreters. The app adjusts so that the interpreter’s video remains visible, ensuring effective communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing users.