Accessibility for All: A Daily Necessity, Not Just a Technical Requirement

Contributed by Eryn Kelsey-Adkins, FAST Digital Accessibility and Usability Coordinator

I’ve been a soldier, a farmer, a student, and a teacher—experiences that have fueled my passion as an accessibility advocate. Since I joined FAST in 2023, I’ve traveled the world meeting with government agencies to help strengthen their digital accessibility efforts. I’m proud to be part of a dedicated team with the singular focus of ensuring everyone can access government services, regardless of socioeconomic status, physical capabilities, or any other factor. ?

It’s been exciting to watch our understanding of accessibility evolve, specifically as it relates to disabilities. Efforts in decades past typically aligned with the medical model of disability, which views disability as a tragic but ultimately individual problem. Now we operate under the social model of disability, which views disabilities as a societal problem. In other words, people aren’t limited by disabilities but by society’s failure to meet everyone’s needs.?

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Justice ruled that state and local government web content and mobile applications must adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1, Level AA in order to meet the diverse needs of all users, including those with temporary or situational impairments. This requirement emphasizes that because anyone can find themselves in need of accessibility accommodations at any time, accessibility must be more than an afterthought or a buzzword. Each WCAG standard is rooted in the experiences of real individuals—perhaps your friends, neighbors, or coworkers—making it essential to understand their perspectives and challenges in navigating digital environments.?

Let’s get to know the types of people behind the guidelines.?

Responsive Web Design for Mobile Users??

Like many Americans, Devi does not have access to a desktop computer or laptop; instead, she does everything with her smart phone. When Devi visits websites on her phone, having to zoom in and scroll back and forth to read anything is more than annoying—it’s an accessibility barrier!??

WCAG success criterion 1.4.10: Reflow requires web pages wrap to the size of the screen, even when zoomed to 400% scale.?With reflow, users never have to scroll back and forth to read to the end of one line and the beginning of the next.?Thanks to this responsive web design, Devi can do everything she needs on her phone, from paying her credit card bill to booking an appointment at the DMV.?

Keyboard Navigation for Wrist Limitations?

Parker loves his job at the local child support agency, but a recent wrist injury has made it difficult to use a computer mouse. Per doctor’s orders, Parker must wear a brace and limit use of his wrist. He was also surprised to learn that some of his coworkers had developed what’s known as “Mouse Arm Syndrome,” or painful tendonitis and repetitive strain injuries that result from overusing a computer mouse.?

Naturally, Parker was concerned about completing his tasks at work—but his manager told him not to worry! Their internal application is fully compliant with the DOJ ruling and meets WCAG 2.1.1: Keyboard, including keyboard accessibility and voice commands. Parker and his coworkers can do their jobs without ever touching their mice.??

Clear User Paths for People Under Stress?

When Sandy was laid off from her job, her life as a single mom suddenly seemed a thousand times more stressful. She worried about finding a new job, stretching her budget, and making her emergency savings last as long as possible. Sandy is far from unique—last month, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on the mental health and well-being of parents, warning that parents are 1.5 times more likely than other adults to report high levels of stress.??

Parent or not, stress can make it harder to absorb new information, while inhibiting decision-making and concentration. WCAG success criterion 3.3.2: Labels or Instructions focuses on removing barriers caused by these cognitive impairments by requiring that users receive clear guidance when they need to enter information.?

Sandy was nervous about filing an unemployment benefits claim because these processes had previously been a source of stress. However, because her state agency had completely redesigned their benefits processes?with accessibility best practices. Sandy found that the simplified steps with clear instructions made the whole process easy, and she was able to file a claim without making any mistakes.?

Screen Readers for Visual Impaired Users?

Andre has been blind since birth and has faced struggles navigating a world full of visual information. Some of his biggest challenges have been dealing with negative stereotypes and overly helpful individuals. For example, well-meaning people often rush in to help Andre perform a task, which means he doesn’t have the room to learn how to do it on his own.??

Independence and privacy are important to Andre. He’d love to be able to file his taxes on his own, but he’s always had to pay someone to do it for him. This was frustrating, as he had no easy way to review and verify the third-party work. Fortunately, Andre’s state recently launched an online tax portal that’s compatible with his screen reader and braille display, in compliance with WCAG Guideline 2.4. Andre can finally file his taxes by himself!?

Accessibility and... Everyone!?

Over one billion people worldwide are living with disabilities, making us the world’s largest minority. Accessible design is a key part of building inclusion, and it is often mandated by law.?By integrating accessibility into every step of the program design and development process—not just including it as an afterthought—government agencies can improve usability for everyone. And yes, that means everyone!?

Lost your glasses or ripped a contact? Guidelines on text contrast and resizing mean you can still read that important email. Trying to watch a video in a noisy room? Guidelines on captions and transcripts mean you can still follow along. Kids keep interrupting you? Guidelines on timing mean you can turn off, adjust, or extend time limits. Whether you have a permanent, temporary, or situational impairment, accessibility standards are here to make your life easier!?

For more insight into accessibility in government service, check out FAST’s blog, “Bridging the Digital Divide: How to Serve Everyone, Everywhere.”