Don't exclude--INCLUDE: The Power of Digital Accessibility

Maybe you know by now that I pretty much just talk about digital accessibility on LinkedIn. I'm all about making sure that everyone has access to the internet and the amazing opportunities it brings. After all, we don't want anyone feeling left out, do we?

So, get this: Over one billion people worldwide have disabilities, and they deserve the same access to the online world as anyone else. They rely on assistive technology and features to navigate websites, read content, and buy stuff online. But unfortunately, there's this notion that accessibility is only for the minority.

But that's just not true.

Embrace the Diversity of Accessibility

Imagine you're throwing a blowout party (if you need help, I know some good peeps). Are you going to invite just a few close friends and expect the party to be a hit? Nah! You want to invite as many people as you can and make it an inclusive celebration that everyone talks about for years to come, right?

Well, the same principle applies to digital accessibility. By making websites and online platforms accessible to people with disabilities, you're inviting them to the party—welcoming them with open arms and giving them the chance to fully participate in the online experience.

The Power of the Marginalized

It's easy to overlook including people with disabilities when you've had no encounter with them and don't give them a second thought. But when it comes to designing and developing digital spaces, I've gotta tell you a little secret: disabled people have purchasing power.

By excluding people with disabilities, you're not only limiting THEIR access, but YOU are also missing out on potential customers. You only have to imagine the business opportunities you'd be leaving on the table.

A Tale of (Un)Intentional Exclusion

By now, you've probably heard about Threads, the new social media app created by Meta. Unfortunately, despite being developed by one of the biggest tech companies in the world, Threads falls short on accessibility features for people with disabilities.

Which is puzzling. Because Meta (formerly Facebook) and IG have accessibility features so why didn't Zuckerberg include these features from the outset?

This is the description for Threads in the App Store:

"Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what'll be trending tomorrow."

That obviously doesn't include people with disabilities.

Meta should've known better. As a tech giant with immense resources and a social responsibility to the worldwide community, accessibility should be at the forefront of their product development process.

By ignoring this, they've excluded a huge segment of the population and overlooked the needs of a billion people with disabilities worldwide. It's important that all tech companies prioritize accessibility from the outset of product development to ensure that everyone is included.

Don't Be Like Zuckerberg

I know that YOU are different. You're eager to learn, grow, and make a positive impact with your business. So, let's give these misconceptions a boot and take action!

Here are some practical steps to incorporate digital accessibility into your business infrastructure:

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about common web accessibility standards, guidelines, and best practices. Get familiar with assistive technologies like screen readers, captioning, and alternative text descriptions.
2. Design with Inclusivity in Mind: When creating your website or writing your content, keep accessibility front of mind. Use clear headings, descriptive links, and alt text for images. Make it easy for everyone to understand and navigate your site. (You can download my beginner's web accessibility checklist below!)
3. Test, Test, Test: Regularly check your website using accessibility testing tools like WAVE or axe DevTools. These tools help identify any potential accessibility issues and guide you on how to fix them.
4. Seek Feedback: Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from people with disabilities. Their insights are invaluable in understanding the barriers they face and making improvements. You can even ask on LinkedIn!
5. Advocate for Change: Share your knowledge and experiences. Spread the word about the importance of digital accessibility to your network and encourage others to prioritize inclusion.

Remember, every small step you take toward digital accessibility is a giant leap for inclusivity. You have the power to make a difference in the lives of over a billion people worldwide.

So, let's pave the way for a more accessible internet—one where no one is left behind. Together, we can create a digital world that truly reflects the diversity and inclusivity of our society.

Need help? Book a strategy call with me:?https://calendly.com/beingaccess-able/60min

Hi! I'm Juana, the founder of?Being Access-able, an accessibility resource hub helping brands and entrepreneurs make their digital content accessible. My mission is to create equal access to the web.

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Download your FREE web accessibility checklist for beginners (with resources!): https://bit.ly/43Qnn3m

A digital accessibility ebook and sponsorship opportunities are coming up so stay tuned!