Building Inclusive Audio Tools
Accessibility with ARIA, WCAG, and Real-World Projects
In this talk, I will demonstrate how accessibility is not a feature, but a foundation—especially in audio software. Using a mature front-end toolkit and WAI-ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes, I’ll show how developers can build interfaces that are both powerful and inclusive, without compromising on complexity or creativity.
Drawing from a range of audio projects I’ve built—synthesizers, sequencers, and sound design tools—I’ll walk through how ARIA roles, properties, and states can be applied effectively. I’ll share practical examples of making sliders, dropdowns, mod matrices, and other complex UI components screen reader–friendly. The aim is to demystify accessibility and prove it can be integrated from the ground up with thoughtful markup and interaction design.
In addition to implementation, I’ll touch on the broader accessibility landscape, including guidelines from WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and standards from ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). These provide essential frameworks that help ensure our tools can be used by everyone—including blind and low vision users, keyboard-only users, and others with diverse needs.
Whether you're building DAWs, plugins, or experimental instruments, this talk will equip you with the knowledge and mindset to make your audio software accessible by design.
Who It’s For:
Audio developers working on web or native interfaces, tool designers, and anyone interested in creating more inclusive audio tech.
Takeaways:
- How to apply ARIA attributes to real-world UI components
- Common accessibility pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Overview of WCAG and ETSI standards relevant to audio interfaces
- Techniques for testing and validating accessibility in practice
Samuel John Prouse
I'm a music technologist with a lifelong passion for sound and synthesizers, shaped by the energy of the 1980s. After years of DJing, building rigs, and performing, I made the leap into formal study in 2008. Around the same time, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and registered visually impaired, which brought unexpected challenges but also shaped my focus on accessibility in music technology.
Through my academic journey—earning a BA Hons and MSc—I explored the intersection of sound, design, and inclusion. I've developed skills in C++ and interface design, particularly around visual accessibility, and continue to contribute ideas through the Music Accessibility Standard group. My aim is to help shape a more inclusive future for music-making tools and technologies.