This week, Facebook announced a new feature for those with vision impairments to access photos on its platform. Facebook's new automatic alternative text feature identifies objects in photos uploaded to the site and describes them in text with the help of a screen reader.
The recent LINCS discussion, Facebook as the Classroom, has generated a lot of good discussion around how Facebook is, or can be, used with adult learners. Features like the new automatic alternative text may go a long way in making Facebook accessible for persons with vision impairments who want to use the platform as a learning environment.
Here is a short video description of how the technology works, from the news service, ATTN.
Questions: What opportunities for learning do you see this feature providing for adults with vision impairments? What other accessibility features would be helpful on Facebook, in order to help learners with disabilities use the site for educational purposes?
Mike Cruse
Disabilities in Adult Education Moderator
michaelcruse74@gmail.com