Mobile accessibility features

While VoiceThread does design a number of standard accessibility features like closed captioning and access for screen readers, we also design all of our features with universal accessibility in mind. Below are some of the standard features already included in the standard VoiceThread site and an overview of how we use them to make VoiceThread available to as many people as possible.

Video commenting

A video comment not only allows for warm, dynamic conversation, but it also allows for an entirely visual conversation, opening online communication for people who converse in sign language. Even young students who cannot yet write are able to communicate online with VoiceThread. See an example here.

Text commenting

Text commenting is useful for many types of conversation, but it also makes VoiceThread accessible to people who are deaf and hard of hearing. You can even record audio or video comments first and then follow them with text version of your comment so that both hearing and deaf and heard of hearing participants can converse in their chosen medium.

Audio as central media

The ability to use an audio file as the central media allows for a conversation that does not rely on any visual media. This type of conversation can be used by visually impaired users or for speaking practice.

Audio and video file commenting

Record a comment using a voice or video recording program, and then upload that file as a comment later. Use this feature to edit the audio or video before uploading, or to record a comment without internet access and upload it once you do have internet access.

Low bandwidth requirements

Even though it is a media-rich app, VoiceThread requires relatively low bandwidth. It is always best to be connected to a Wi-Fi connection if possible, but the core features will work on a 3G or 4G connection.