How can you challenge common accessibility myths?

We rarely think of accessibility while designing. Apps should be more inclusive by taking accessibility into consideration. Companies & top management should encourage and support it.

Imagine accessibility as an elevator in a shopping mall. Some people, like those using wheelchairs, might need it all the time. But then there's a parent with a stroller, or a person with heavy shopping bags, or someone who's just had a long day and doesn't want to take the stairs. Accessibility isn't just for permanent needs, it's for everyone at different times and situations!

Accessibility is not just about physical access. It includes digital accessibility (websites, software), sensory accessibility (for people with visual or hearing impairments), and cognitive accessibility (for people with cognitive disabilities). Emphasize the broader scope of accessibility.

For those who have already studied the Accessible Rich Internet Applications (WAI-ARIA), it's possible to verify that Accessibility is about creating inclusive digital experiences that includes a diverse range of abilities, situations, and contexts, as well as users with low bandwidth. By prioritizing accessibility, we ensure equal access and usability for all users, regardless of their abilities or limitations. We need to take a holistic approach to accessibility that benefits everyone, it's about empathy promoting inclusion and improving user experiences for all.

Considering accessibility can help reveal gaps in a user flow that would otherwise lead to error states or other negative experiences for any user. For example, many people may tab through a form or press enter to complete an action. These elements are typically considered for accessibility reasons, but if they do not behave as expected, it leads to bad results for all users. Another example is contrast. Text with low contrast can be a headache to read regardless a user's vision abilities and may even be unreadable in certain environments.

When we engage with new clients, we explain that our estimates / bids / statements of work are inclusive of accessibility - it is essentially a non-negotiable part of the delivered work. When they understand that this upfront investment means more potential customers and less risk, they are totally on board.

Accessibility is how we treat people. Anyone can be disabled at any time in different capacities — whether temporarily whilst holding a baby and only able to use one hand or breaking a leg, due to ageing or due to an accident.

Accessibility can be changed when we get lot of user insights via testing! That moment we evaluate the graph whether accessibility is good or not and then revamp for more accessibity

Thinking about accessibility is focusing on the user experience - and that includes all potential users. UX designers and developers know that when thinking about removing barriers that can prevent someone with disability to access, navigate, or understand content on the Internet, is essential to design, develop, edit and maintaining applications correctly.

This is exactly why the WCAG / ADA standards evolve, as they attempt to keep up with trends & browser and device technology. Just like any true technical product is not one and done, neither is the accessible aspect of it.

In the world of accessibility, there's a big myth floating around that it's all about following a simple checklist or a one-size-fits-all standard. But you know what? As the awesome Helen Keller once said, "Being blind cuts us off from things, but being deaf cuts us off from people." That quote really hits the nail on the head. Accessibility isn't just about ticking off boxes or following rigid rules. It's about recognizing and respecting the diverse needs and experiences of individuals. It's about creating inclusive designs that foster real connections and make everyone feel included.

It's encouraging to witness the growing trend of businesses embracing inclusivity, which has become more prevalent in recent years. While some organizations adopt inclusive practices due to regulatory requirements, many recognize it as a best practice. It's particularly beneficial to see the availability of reusable components that come prebuilt with accessibility features, simplifying the lives of developers. Looking ahead, I share the hope that AI advancements will further propel the progress in making technology and user experiences even more inclusive and accessible for all.