What Is the Sensory Accessible Technology Initiative (SAT-I)?

An initiative of the International Misophonia Foundation (IMF)

The Sensory Accessible Technology Initiative (SAT-I) is a project of the International Misophonia Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, focused on improving sensory accessibility in technology through research, advocacy, consultation and collaboration with technology companies.

Technology plays an essential role in everyday life. Websites, operating systems, applications, online banking, healthcare portals, utility accounts, gaming platforms and communication services are used for work, education, healthcare and access to essential services.

However, common features of these technologies can create significant barriers for people with sensory sensitivities. Blinking text cursors, repetitive animations, unexpected audio, flashing elements, notifications and other interface features can make digital environments difficult or, in some cases, impossible to use comfortably.

SAT-I aims to identify these barriers, understand the accommodation preferences of affected users and develop practical sensory accessibility recommendations that can be shared directly with technology providers.

Our central goal is to give users greater control over their sensory experiences when interacting with technology.

What We Want to Change

Sensory accessibility does not mean removing every animation, sound or interactive feature from technology. Different users have different sensory needs, and features that are helpful to one person may create barriers for another.

Instead, SAT-I focuses on improving user choice and control over sensory input.

Areas of interest include:

• Visual motion and blinking: Providing options to reduce or disable nonessential blinking cursors, repetitive animations, flashing elements, motion effects and transitions.
• Unexpected audio: Improving control over autoplay, interface sound effects, repeated alerts and notification sounds, including non-auditory alternatives where appropriate.
• Predictable interaction: Giving users greater control over pop-ups, interruptions, time pressure and persistent visual or auditory notifications.
• Persistent accessibility preferences: Supporting settings that remain active across sessions and, where technically feasible, respect operating-system or browser accessibility preferences.
• Hardware and devices: Examining sensory barriers associated with indicator lights, vibration, auditory feedback and other device features.
• Essential digital services: Addressing accessibility barriers in healthcare portals, banking, government services, utility accounts and other services where users may have limited alternatives.

These examples are not exhaustive. SAT-I will continue identifying sensory accessibility concerns through research, community consultation and collaboration with accessibility professionals and technology providers.

Who Is Sensory Accessibility For?

Although the International Misophonia Foundation’s work began with misophonia, sensory accessibility extends beyond any single condition or diagnosis.

People with misophonia, misokinesia, autism, ADHD, migraine, vestibular conditions and other sensory processing differences may experience barriers involving sound, movement, light, visual patterns or other forms of sensory input.

Sensory needs can also vary considerably between people who share the same diagnosis.

SAT-I therefore prioritizes individual control, configurable settings and evidence-informed recommendations rather than assuming that one accessibility solution will work for everyone.

The initiative welcomes perspectives from people with lived experience, caregivers, researchers, clinicians, accessibility professionals and technology developers.

Building on Existing Accessibility Standards

SAT-I recognizes the importance of established accessibility standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2.

Existing guidelines address several relevant issues, including flashing content, animation, motion and user control. However, some sensory accessibility concerns may not be explicitly addressed, and the availability or implementation of accommodations can vary between technologies.

SAT-I seeks to complement existing accessibility work by examining sensory barriers, documenting accommodation preferences and developing additional practical recommendations where needed.

The initiative is not an official W3C standard, an accessibility certification program or a replacement for existing accessibility guidelines.

Building on IMF’s Existing Advocacy

The International Misophonia Foundation has previously engaged with technology companies concerning sensory accessibility, including the impact of blinking text cursors and other interface features on people with sensory sensitivities.

SAT-I expands on this work by establishing a more organized process for gathering feedback, developing recommendations and maintaining communication with technology providers.

The initiative also connects with IMF’s broader research, education and accessibility activities.

Relevant projects include:

• IMF Goals and Projects — Information about the foundation’s current and developing programs.
• Our Impact — An overview of IMF’s activities and accomplishments.
• Misophonia Accessibility Guide — A developing project gathering perspectives on sensory accommodations across different settings.

These activities provide a foundation for SAT-I’s work in digital and technological accessibility.

How SAT-I Works

SAT-I is designed to connect the experiences of people with sensory accessibility needs with research, practical guidance and the organizations responsible for developing technology.

1. Community Consultation

Gather information about sensory accessibility barriers and accommodation preferences from people affected by sensory sensitivities, as well as caregivers, clinicians and accessibility professionals.

This may include surveys, consultations and opportunities to provide feedback on specific digital accessibility concerns.

2. Research and Evidence Review

Examine existing research, accessibility standards and technical literature to better understand sensory barriers and possible accommodations.

Recommendations will consider differences in individual sensory needs, relevant evidence and potential conflicts between accessibility requirements.

3. Guideline Development

Develop practical sensory accessibility recommendations for websites, applications, operating systems, hardware and digital services.

Guidance may address interface settings, user preferences, alternative interaction methods and other accommodations identified through research and consultation.

4. Technology Industry Consultation

Share research findings and proposed guidelines with participating technology companies.

Invite accessibility teams, developers and other technical professionals to provide feedback on recommendations, implementation considerations and potential limitations.

5. Publication and Outreach

Publish relevant findings, recommendations and educational resources for technology providers, accessibility professionals and the public.

Distribute guidance through SAT-I’s Technology Partner network and other outreach activities.

6. Continued Development

Review emerging research, community feedback and technological developments to inform future recommendations.

Maintain communication with participating organizations as the initiative’s resources and guidelines develop.

Two Ways for Organizations to Participate

SAT-I offers two distinct forms of organizational involvement: Technology Partnership and Corporate Sponsorship or Donations.

Organizations may participate in either or both categories.

Technology Partners

Free participation for technology companies and digital service providers.

SAT-I Technology Partners maintain an ongoing relationship with the International Misophonia Foundation to receive sensory accessibility research, recommendations and developing guidelines.

Partners agree to designate an appropriate contact, receive accessibility updates, consider relevant guidance and remain available for consultation when reasonably feasible.

Technology Partners may also contribute technical expertise and feedback to help inform practical recommendations.

Participation does not require financial contributions, commitments to specific product changes or public announcements.

Active partners may receive official SAT-I Technology Partner recognition, permission to display the partner badge, and optional inclusion in the initiative’s public partner directory.

Technology Partnership does not constitute accessibility certification or endorsement of an organization’s products or services.

Learn more: SAT-I Partner Commitment

Corporate Sponsors and Donors

Financial support for sensory accessibility research, guidance and outreach.

Corporate Sponsors and Donors help fund the activities required to develop and maintain the initiative.

Contributions may support community consultation, accessibility research, technical reviews, guideline development, public education and communication with technology providers.

Organizations may support SAT-I generally or discuss funding specific projects with defined activities, budgets and deliverables.

Corporate supporters may be publicly recognized through sponsor listings, acknowledgements and relevant project publications.

Financial contributions are separate from Technology Partnership and do not provide control over research findings, accessibility recommendations or the initiative’s independent activities.

Learn more: What You’re Funding

Independence and Transparency

SAT-I is administered by the International Misophonia Foundation, which retains independent control over the initiative’s research, recommendations, publications and advocacy activities.

Technology Partners and Corporate Sponsors may contribute expertise, feedback or financial resources without determining the initiative’s conclusions.

Participating organizations are not required to adopt every recommendation, and participation does not indicate that their products have been tested, approved or certified as sensory accessible.

SAT-I recognizes that technology providers may encounter technical limitations, competing accessibility needs and other considerations when evaluating proposed accommodations.

The purpose of the initiative is to establish informed communication, develop useful guidance and encourage consideration of sensory accessibility throughout technology development.

Current Stage of the Initiative

SAT-I is currently in its initial development and outreach stage.

The initiative’s immediate priorities include developing its Technology Partner network, gathering community perspectives, reviewing available evidence and preparing sensory accessibility recommendations for consultation.

As the initiative develops, IMF intends to publish relevant findings, guidelines and confirmed organizational participation.

Get Involved

Technology companies and digital service providers: Join the SAT-I Technology Partner network to receive recommendations, review proposed guidelines and contribute technical perspectives to sensory accessibility discussions.

Corporations and donors: Support the research, consultation, technical guidance and outreach activities necessary to develop and maintain the initiative.

Researchers, clinicians and accessibility professionals: Contribute expertise to research reviews, accommodation recommendations and guideline development.

Individuals with lived experience and caregivers: Share perspectives on sensory accessibility barriers and accommodation preferences through IMF’s research and consultation activities.

For Technology Partnership inquiries, corporate sponsorship opportunities or general questions about SAT-I, contact:

shaylynn@misophoniafoundation.com

The Sensory Accessible Technology Initiative (SAT-I) is a project of the International Misophonia Foundation, a United States 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in Missouri.

EIN: 93-2017604

Website: https://misophoniafoundation.com/