I am currently researching the bitcoin economy to see if this might help disabled people have a better life than receiving a govt begging bowl.” Craig McGee – Bitcoin Enthusiast / Contributor to Icy Wallet @guilt_manager “The biggest barriers for the blind are accessibility, Most of the wallets are difficult to use, and the QT client interface doesn’t work too well with a screen reader.”
tube, and my breathing is assisted through another tube. I operate the computer using a commercial eyetracker system. It also has a speech synthesizer, so this is my voice now. I spend all day in my power wheelchair. I worked up an interface using an arduino so that I can adjust my wheelchair’s position using my eyes. It has been an adjustment, but my life is not too bad. I can still read, listen to music, and watch TV and movies. I recently discovered that I can even write code. It’s very slow, probably 50 times slower than I was before. But I still love programming and it gives me goals. Currently I’m working on something Mike Hearn suggested, using the security features of modern processors, designed to support “Trusted Computing”, to harden Bitcoin wallets. It’s almost ready to release. I just have to do the documentation.” “That’s my story. I’m pretty lucky overall. Even with the ALS, my life is very satisfying. But my life expectancy is limited. ”
text to speech or braille. Require proper labels, roles, and focus order. Unlabeled buttons or poor tab order break the experience. Screen Magnifiers (Zoomtext, Browser Zoom, OS Settings) • Used by people with low vision to zoom in. Layouts must hold up at 200% zoom and reflow at 400% zoom — avoid overlaps or cut-off content. Switches & Eye Tracking (Keyboard, Single switch, Tobii) • Allow interaction via one button or eye movement. Keyboard support and logical focus order are essential. Voice Control (VoiceControl & VoiceAccess, Dragon Naturally Speaking) • Lets users navigate by saying “Tap Send” or “Scroll Down.” Descriptive labels that match visible UI elements are key.
a real disability use case. Your goal is to choose one user flow from the Bitcoin UI Kit, identify where a common bitcoin wallet interface might break for them, and describe how it could be improved.
people with diverse abilities. Example: A wallet that works equally well with screen readers and visually. Flexibility in Use Accommodates a wide range of preferences and abilities. Example: Backup flows that support copy/paste, QR scan, TTS, or NFC. Simple and Intuitive Use Easy to understand, regardless of experience or cognitive ability. Example: Minimize jargon; use familiar icons and step-by-step flows for sending BTC. Perceptible Information Communicates essential info clearly across sensory differences. Example: High contrast, icon + label pairing, text alternatives for QR codes. Tolerance for Error Minimizes risks and adverse consequences. Example: Require confirmation before sending large amounts or erasing a wallet. Low Physical Effort Can be used with minimal fatigue or dexterity. Example: Large tap targets; support for keyboard navigation; avoid rapid interactions. Size and Space for Approach and Use UI fits various screen sizes and input methods. Example: Responsive design that supports magnification, one-handed use, and switch input.