Digital accessibility and the reality of exclusion

The other day, I was sitting on my couch when it hit me--it seems like we've come so far as a society but the digital world can still feel like a VIP club.

I remember a few years back, when my mom was using a laptop for the first time. She was excited but her hands and fingers, marred by RA, made navigating the keyboard a constant struggle. It was painful to witness her frustration. Now she only uses an iPhone.

And that's just one story. There are millions of others like hers.

For the uninitiated, implementing digital accessibility might feel like chasing a unicorn. But let me break it down for you--it's about allowing everyone access to the digital landscape, regardless of anyone's ability. It's not rocket science.

So, why is it still a problem?

Well, businesses can sometimes stumble. We build fabulous products and services, but in the rush to get them out there, we can forget about the users who struggle with inaccessible design. The lack of digital accessibility impacts not only the success of our products and services, but also the goal of inclusivity that we should be striving for.

How can we call ourselves an equal society when not everyone can use the same digital tools and platforms? In a world where we can 3D print human organs, shouldn't this be achievable? Just as we've designed accessible spaces in the physical world, it's our collective responsibility to make our digital universe user friendly for everyone.

Inclusion is a philosophy that embraces the idea that everyone has something of value to contribute and that everyone has a right to belong. ~ Lisa Friedman

It's not about pointing fingers; it's about acknowledging and addressing the issue. By making content more accessible, we embrace inclusivity, expand our audience, and form meaningful connections. As humans, we're built for connection.

From a business standpoint, it's a no-brainer. Who doesn't want expanded reach and a positive brand reputation?

Let's stop shying away from topics like this. Life's challenging enough already. Here's to making the digital world an inclusive space, where fighting to be a full participant shouldn't be part of the deal.

Digital accessibility isn't just a cool add-on. It's the foundation we need to build. And that foundation helps build a stronger, more compassionate world for every single one of us.

Get on my waitlist for my upcoming book that'll be chockful of actionable tips for making your website accessible!

If you want help on creating an implementation plan to get you started on the accessibility path, book a call with me.

Juana is the founder of Being Access-able, a digital accessibility resource hub aimed at helping brands and entrepreneurs up their accessibility game.

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