Welcome to Barrieria
Hello, I’m your guide Freddy. I’m glad you found me. It’s not that easy. I once had contact with Olivia, a web designer from your world, but the connection disappeared. Your world and mine are connected by this mysterious connection. I’ll try to explain it to you: The greater the digital barriers in your world for people with disabilities, the worse it will be for you here. For example, if the keyboard doesn’t work on a website in your world, then the mouse won’t work here.
That’s why I need your help.
But first, let me introduce you to my world, Barrieria.
In Barrieria, things are turned upside down: Assistive technologies are the norm here, and your standard technologies, like the mouse, are the exception.
Freddy
I use a screen reader and keyboard in everyday life because I can barely see anything and am legally blind. However, I still have a small amount of vision.
Legally blind doesn’t necessarily mean that I can’t see anything at all. Many legally blind people see blurry or only have a small field of view.
In your world, there are websites I can’t use, not because I don’t try, but because they’re inaccessible to me.
Why is that? Well, you’ll experience it for yourself now. Just as you’ll have difficulties with mouse usability, mismatched labels, and images here, I have difficulties with keyboard usability, missing ARIA labels, and text alternatives in your world.
That's what Barrieria looks offline
Floor Markings
In Barrieria, we have tactile street markings everywhere, but no visible signposts.
Braille
In restaurants, the menu is in Braille. Our newspaper and books are also in Braille. Printed texts, like in your world, are very rare.
Acoustic Signal
Traffic “lights” only give acoustic signals (like voice announcement and beeps), but no visual indication.
Do you need help?
I’m here to help you if you’re stuck. If I’m framed, I can give you a hint.
Click on me if you need a hint. I’ll give you tips on how to overcome the barriers. These tips will pop up right below my picture.
So, are you ready? Let’s get started and find out what it’s like to live in a world that wasn’t made for you.
Can’t click the button? Try using the keyboard. The Tab key takes you to the next accessible element. Shift+Tab takes you to the previous element. Press Enter to confirm your entry.
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There are still elements on websites that can’t be accessed using the keyboard. These are often carousels or accordions. Try it the next time you’re browsing the internet.
If you’re using a smartphone, try using a screen reader.