Have you ever thought about how you navigate the world around you? For many, daily tasks like using a website or entering a building are seamless experiences. However, that is not the case for the estimated 1.3 billion people who experience significant disability.
Today, in celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we're spotlighting our exceptional team here at DubBot and their commitment to accessibility by asking, "What does accessibility awareness mean to you?"
Here's a glimpse into what accessibility awareness means to some members of our team.
Accessibility awareness is being open-minded to the idea that life is not static. Our circumstances and needs may change from year to year, month to month, even day to day. It's understanding that making things accessible typically results in a net benefit for all, not just a few. The more we can consider the different needs of people throughout our lives, the more easily adaptable we will be for the future. ~ Penny, VP of Client Services
When we limit parts of our community from the same access and participation, we fail to maximize the value of our community as a whole. People who have no personal need for accessibility modifications often have the privilege of being unfamiliar with the challenges that could be mitigated through the availability of assistive tools and technologies. It is important to increase the visibility and knowledge of accessibility challenges to encourage both widespread adoption of current assistive technologies and ongoing research for continued technological developments that will further support a fully inclusive community. ~ Julie, Chief Financial Officer
Accessibility awareness in relation to web design, to me, is a broadening of the way you approach the design and maintenance of web properties. You must consider all users and even broaden your personal definition of what accessibility encompasses - not just physical issues but also cognitive and age-related issues. It must not be presented as an inconvenient legal obstacle that has to be overcome – it is a chance to get it right, right out of the gate – to open your content to all users on all platforms using all devices. ~ Joanie, Client Support Specialist
Accessibility awareness means recognizing that the world isn't designed equally for everyone. We must actively learn to see and dismantle the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in everyday life. Along with that responsibility is understanding and being open to the continuous learning process required for new standards and best practices. ~ Maggie, Content Marketer
To summarize, my colleagues’ words serve as reminders that "digital access and inclusion" should not just be a catchphrase. We all have a role to play in making sure everyone has the resources and support they need to succeed in our digital world.
