Accessibility Testing Making a Positive Difference

Accessibility testing with real users is vital in creating websites and products which are effective, efficient and satisfying to use by people of all abilities.  Here we talk to Debra, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, about her experiences as a member of our accessibility testing panel.

Why did you decided to help with testing?

Both for the money and to make sure that people with sensory integration disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome are considered when it comes to accessibility of website use.

Can you describe how you feel when you come in to help us with testing?

• Most importantly there is no pressure before, during or after testing and I always feel that my feedback is appreciated.
• I don’t feel that I have to finish the job just because I have been asked.  I know that I can stop and leave at any time and still get paid.  Because of this I feel I can tolerate any stress for the sake of the service I give, as I am not carrying on with the fear I will lose out if I stop.
• I don’t feel any guilt after I have been given the money which is quite a lot more than my hourly rate of pay in my regular work. 
• I never feel there is a wrong answer or way to do something.

What is the best experience you have had on the test panel?

When I was testing the BBC iPlayer I felt like I was getting a go at something before the masses; so that was rather cool!  I felt privileged to have knowledge of something I had to keep a secret until it came out. It was great to try something IT based before my geeky boyfriend! 

Do you have any reservations about testing?

Not with System Concepts.  Sometimes I do wonder how their clients take on board things from users feedback that contradict their want for their website to look ‘cool’. 

What is your top website design tip to help people with Asperger’s and similar syndromes?

I have sensory overload issues and am oversensitive to some sounds, smells, tactile and some visual stimuli.  I find multitasking challenging if using more than one sense when concentrating or stressed. This is typical for lots of Aspies (people with Asperger’s syndrome).  I get freaked out by some of the animations and sounds on websites and curse the computer like it’s alive sometimes!

My biggest frustration is animations distracting me from reading the still bits – I often have to come out of the website or stick post-it notes on the monitor.

So please - No animation or sound unless it is ‘off’ as default and turning on is a choice.  Have the on/off button very visible for those that need/want it.

Why is using the internet important to you?

I find it is a network of information and discovery and I don’t have to leave home to use it.  I use the internet to market my book and Bearsac, to raise awareness of Asperger’s Syndrome in adults and to express myself. 

How do you find working with the people at System Concepts?

All the staff I have met are warm and friendly both to me and Bearsac, my teddy bear who goes everywhere with me. They make us welcome and relaxed and time sort of slows down when I am in the office.  Bearsac thinks all the ladies in the office fancy him!

Our thanks go to Debra and Bearsac for all their help with accessibility testing. Debra has written a book ‘Travels With My Teddy Bear’, a fascinating record of her journeys with Bearsac across the world.  If you would like to find out more about the book and their work spreading awareness and challenging society’s approach to people with Asperger’s please visit their website www.bearsac.com.

Interested in helping us? 

If you would like to become a member of our test panel we’d love to hear from you.  Please email contact us or phone her on 020 7240 3388.  There are more details in this article Earn Money Talking About Websites.

Last updated: October, 2009

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