ErgData Supports Visually Impaired Users

As we developed the new release of our free app ErgData, it was important to us that our visually impaired users had full access to the app. To this end, we worked with members of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) as we developed the new release.

ACB helped us work toward best-in-class audio guidance and provided testing and feedback throughout our development process. We’re very grateful for the assistance and feedback we received from them.

ACB’s Executive Director Eric Bridges says, “The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a spotlight on the health inequities faced by people who are blind and low vision, including access to exercise and fitness equipment. Now, more than ever, it is critical for our members and the broader community to Get Up and Get Moving and take control of our health. ACB commends Concept2 for their leadership in making their products accessible and for engaging with the disability community to ensure their products meet the needs of people who are blind and low vision. ACB urges all other exercise and fitness manufacturers to engage with the disability community and follow Concept2’s lead.”

In addition to our work with ACB on audio guidance, we have incorporated several other features to make the app displays as easy as possible to read while people are using the Concept2 RowErg, SkiErg or BikeErg.

These include:

• A range of display options so users can choose the one that works best for them.
• Display options allow a large amount of customization in terms of the data displayed.
• The ability to load the Workout of the Day (WOD) with a single tap (rather than a significant number of button presses).

Although the app has not yet been optimized for tablet, it can be used on one, providing larger font and image sizes.

Coming soon: Dark mode! Many users have requested this feature and we expect to launch it soon. Dark mode is generally considered to be easier on the eyes. It provides the necessary contrast without emitting as much light overall.

A display screen in dark mode.

About the American Council of the Blind

The American Council of the Blind is a national member-driven organization representing Americans who are blind and visually impaired. For more than 60 years, ACB has become a leader in national, state, local, and even international advocacy efforts. With 68 affiliates, ACB strives to increase independence, security, equality of opportunity, and to improve the quality of life for all people who are blind and visually impaired. For more information, visit www.acb.org.

To contact the American Council of the Blind, please email ACB’s Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Clark Rachfal, at crachfal@acb.org.

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