Hi Everyone, A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of participating in an inspiring hackathon focused on identifying web accessibility issues for individuals with disabilities at University of Hertfordshire . This wasn’t just a technical challenge - it was a deep dive into Human Centred Computing , where the goal was to ensure technology truly serves Everyone Working as a team, we explored real-world scenarios using the tool Wave evaluation tool to uncover barriers that many users face daily. From inaccessible navigation to missing alt-text, we gained a renewed perspective on how small design oversights can create significant hurdles for those with disabilities. Beyond the technical work, what stood out was the collaborative spirit of our team. We didn’t just look at issues; we brainstormed solutions to create an inclusive digital experience. It was a reminder of why accessibility isn’t just a checkbox but a responsibility. This experience has reinforced my belief that accessible design is essential to building a fair and equitable digital world. A big shoutout to my amazing teammates and everyone who organized this meaningful event! In this event, I thank my teammates Shyam Manikandan , Dhinesh s , Sahana Gowda , Adith, Firdaus, and Ranjith for being a part of this. Let’s continue to advocate for and implement accessibility in everything we build. Together, we can ensure technology empowers. #DisabilityHistoryMonth , #HumanCentredComputing , #UniversityOfHertfordshire .

"When we designed a kiosk for users with disabilities, we learned something surprising about inclusive design..." Discover the real-world insights we gained about the contradictions of accessibility in our upcoming webinar. JOURNEY Digital's design leaders Ryan Campbell and Johan Wepener will share candid lessons from two eye-opening case studies. ?? Key discussion: Why tailored solutions often outperform universal design ?? November 12, 10 AM NZ Join us: https://hubs.la/Q02X3cvx0 #UXDesign #Accessibility #DesignThinking

Accessibility is critical for including users with disabilities and ensuring that products and services cater to diverse needs. It emphasizes the importance of inclusive design, particularly for screen reader users and individuals with neurodivergent conditions. Creating accessible experiences is not just about meeting standards; it is essential for fostering equity, usability, and inclusion for all.

Who does it benefit for your organization to commit to digital accessibility? Accessibility isn’t just about permanent disabilities — it’s for everyone, and we all may need it at some point. Disabilities come in many forms, some visible, others not, like low vision, hearing impairments, mobility needs, and neurodiversity. Accessible design also helps those in temporary situations, like a broken arm, low lighting, or noisy places. Imagine watching a video on the bus without headphones — captions make it possible for you to follow. Accessibility isn’t one-size-fits-all. Jay Wall RGD led this session on Digital Accessibility for social purpose organizations, which offered a comprehensive overview, reinforcing the idea that accessible digital experiences are essential and serve your mission Accessibility strengthens impact, builds trust, and promotes inclusivity — a win-win for both organizations and their communities. Read the full recap on our website, link commented below. #InclusiveDesign #DigitalAccessibility #AccessForAll #a11y Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD), Centre for Social Innovation (CSI)

Digital Accessibility is a component of Digital Literacy

Lately, my design projects have opened my eyes to the power of accessibility. I’ve witnessed how removing barriers not only reduces frustration for individuals with disabilities but also transforms challenges into opportunities. When we design with accessibility in mind, we allow users to focus on their goals rather than obstacles, lightening their mental load. ?? This sense of independence is crucial for mental well-being. ?? By embracing digital empathy, we create experiences that foster confidence and control for everyone. ?? What steps are you taking to incorporate accessibility into your designs?

Universal design principles like the curb cut effect show that raising access of experiences for those with disabilities tends to benefit everyone across abilities for broader general-purpose use. For example, closed captions on video when available beyond assistive technology do not only benefit the deaf and hard of hearing; they help in loud rooms and have been found to improve learning. This is called the “curb-cut effect” because of the way that curb ramps have many positive impacts beyond their key use for wheelchair access—such as for strollers, people using walkers or canes, etc.; in other words, across a full ability and situation spectrum. In digital tech, orgs sometimes treat WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) as a compliance box to be checked, yet it's much more than that; here too the benefits to general population are many. For example, assistive tech for low-vision users requires the ability to reflow content to a highly zoomed in view. That same front-end investment and technical underpinnig allows Web content to be more easily viewed across mutiple form factors such as mobile and tablet devices. Experiences are more effective, inclusive, and relevant for everyone when anyone regardless of their personal situation and context can access them without considerable friction. It’s also worth noting that an estimated 16% of the global population has a significant disability. It takes not only policy but also interest, investment, empathy, and expertise to provision experiences flexibly this way and to be able to imagine and empathize access needs and implications often falling outside our our own experiences—and how we can unsilo solutions to unite access for general use as well. #accessibility #design #healthcare #userexperience #compliance #productdesign #branding

accessibility isn’t just a professional focus—it’s a personal mission. My journey began when I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that gradually took away my eyesight. While losing vision presented significant challenges, it also gave me a unique perspective on the importance of inclusive design. I vividly remember the early days of navigating the digital world. Without accessible technology, tasks that many take for granted—like sending an email or browsing a website—became hurdles. But thanks to innovative assistive technology and thoughtful accessibility efforts, I was empowered to stay connected, productive, and independent. That experience is what drives my passion today. I believe that accessibility should not be an afterthought—it should be a fundamental principle in every product and service. It’s not only about compliance with standards like WCAG 2.2 or Section 508 , but about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access to information and opportunities. I’ve dedicated my career to helping organizations create digital experiences that are truly inclusive. Whether through accessibility audits, training, or consulting, my goal is to bridge the gap between technology and usability for people with disabilities. To anyone out there wondering, Does accessibility really matter? —the answer is a resounding yes . When we design with everyone in mind, we not only build better products; we build a better world. If you’re working on improving accessibility in your organization or are interested in learning more, let’s connect! Together, we can create a more inclusive future. #Accessibility #InclusiveDesign #AssistiveTechnology #DigitalInclusion #WCAG #Section508 #A11y

Accessibility doesn't automatically mean usability for people with disabilities. Think of accessibility as the lowest bar; it works with assistive technology, but to go beyond "it works" to "it's enjoyable and easy to use" you'll need to test with real users. K. K., M. G.

Thoughtful Approach To Accessibility Transform your initial struggles into strengths by adopting a thoughtful approach to accessibility. Begin with activities that promote empathy and encourage the use of accessibility tools. Provide resources that serve as reference points. Arrange workshops that bring accessibility principles to life, allowing members to experience the challenges faced by users with disabilities. ?? Found this helpful? Share it with others! ???? Like and tell me what you think in the comments. ?? Hit the Bell for Daily Design Snippets and updates. ?? Connect to expand our professional networks. Design Matters! Keep Your Skills Sharp! ?? Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gSj5xC8D Rob Busby, Member of IxDF: https://lnkd.in/gu7fMCiX #dailydesignsnippets #accessibility