Celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day on May 15, TikTok emphasizes its commitment to creating an inclusive platform for users with diverse needs. The platform has introduced several accessibility features aimed at enhancing user experience for individuals with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive differences.
New Accessibility Features
Alternative Text for Photos: Creators can now add alt text to photo posts, with a new AI feature in testing that generates alt text for screen readers, aiding users who are blind or have low vision.
Increased Color Contrast: Users can enhance color contrast through a dedicated switch in accessibility settings, improving usability for those with low vision.
Bold Text Support: TikTok now respects device settings for bold text, enhancing readability for users who prefer bolder fonts.
These features complement existing tools like auto-generated captions, dark mode, text-to-speech, and thumbnail animation, all accessible via a redesigned settings page.
Highlighting Creators
In recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, TikTok showcases creators who advocate for disability awareness:
- @accessbytay: Taylor Lindsay-Noel inspires change and educates on disability after a life-altering gymnastics accident.
- @imtiffanyyu: Tiffany Yu, a disability advocate and CEO of Diversability, shares her journey and promotes anti-ableism.
- @Hunterwoodhall: Hunter Woodhall connects with audiences to inspire inclusivity in sports and advocate for the Paralympic movement.
- @kaelynn_vp: Kaelynn Partlow offers insights into her experiences as a neurodivergent individual, challenging stereotypes and fostering understanding of autism.
Commitment to Accessibility
TikTok views accessibility as a continuous priority and an opportunity for innovation. The platform aims to empower users to share their stories and connect meaningfully. On this Global Accessibility Awareness Day, TikTok encourages exploration of content from creators with disabilities and the use of its accessibility features, reinforcing its dedication to inclusivity.
