August 2014 - Media Access Australia, Australia’s only non-profit organization devoted to media accessibility for individuals with disabilities, released a report discussing the uses, benefits, and accessibility challenges of cloud computing for individuals with disabilities. Some of the benefits highlighted in The Accessibility of Cloud Computing: Current and Future Trends include the ability for people with disabilities to use their personal assistive technologies, the constant availability of cloud storage through cloud profiles, and the ability to synchronize cloud accessibility preferences in recent Windows technologies.
The report also acknowledged that cloud-based services have challenges as a result of platform variations. Because app and web solutions offer different cloud accessibility features depending on which ecosystem consumers choose, the report advocates for industry compliance with the W3C Web Accessibility Standards when creating cloud access. Specifying the need for inclusive accessibility design for cloud platforms; the report calls for industry, consumer, and government collaboration, as well. Click the link belwo for access to a full copy of The Accessibility of Cloud Computing: Current and Future Trends.
