Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)

Are we talking, thinking and learning about how we include everyone with technology and digital platforms?

On Thursday, 15th May, Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) celebrates fourteen years of raising awareness about including everyone with technology.

By ignoring digital access and inclusion, you exclude over one billion disabled people world-wide.  So, is your web and mobile content made available to everyone?

It is our civil right to access digital products, and it makes business sense. However, disabled people are still left behind.

Here are some actions you could take:

  • Visual – for images, use Alternative Text (Alt Text) for people who are blind or visually impaired.
  • Hearing – have visual cues when using audio, such as switching on captions for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
  • Motor – alternative keyboards, eye control or other adaptive hardware may help people with motor needs.
  • Cognitive – to include people with different learning needs an uncluttered screen, consistent navigation and text written in Easy Read works best.

Dean’s Story

Dean, aged 42, lives with a Rare Disease called, Neurofibromatosis Type One. Although Dean was born with the condition, it develops later in life. It causes (non-cancerous) lumps along the nerves that may cause a range of symptoms. It affects the movements in Dean’s hands, neck, hip and legs.

Dean loves his tech, which he uses everyday. At night he watches videos on YouTube, he solves puzzles and plays games, such as Uno. Dean also uses Facebook and Facebook Messenger. Dean can connect with his friends, keep his mind active and learn new things through his laptop and phone.

However, balancing a mobile phone on a wheelchair is difficult, and many of our members experience the same issue.

Dean says, “I can speak into my phone for writing and responding to messages and for posting on Facebook.”

When used the right way, technology and digital platforms can open doors and serve as a lifeline for people with physical disabilities.