Interoperability

The ability of different systems, devices, applications, or products to connect and communicate with each other in a coordinated way, without requiring special effort from the user. In accessibility, interoperability is critical because assistive technologies must be able to interface with a wide range of platforms, applications, and devices. Proprietary closed systems that lack interoperability force people with disabilities to use vendor-specific accessibility solutions — or none at all — rather than their preferred assistive technology. Open standards and accessibility APIs are key mechanisms for achieving interoperability.