The true impact of accessibility

Accessibility plays a factor in everything we do. For many of us, it shapes our lives.

There is an enormous number of hoops we have to jump through on a daily basis, just to access the world in the same way as everyone else.

 

Accessibility and assistive technology are two of the dominant focal points on my blog – from tips on how to make your blog, social media or online and offline content accessible, to how blind and vision impaired people use a mobile phone. As you can probably tell, it’s a real passion of mine.

I talk a lot about accessibility, because I want to start those conversations and hopefully give people a better understanding of how we can make the world more accessible.

 

You might be asking yourself ‘why does it matter?’ as you’ll see from this post, accessibility has a significant impact on our lives, even if you don’t think you are directly affected. Everyone has a role to play in making the world more accessible.

 

Inaccessible websites, lack of accessibility information, no ramps or lifts at a venue, as well as the limited availability of audio description and subtitles – these are just some of the barriers that disabled people face every single day. These barriers are present in every aspect of the online and offline world. That needs to change.

I’m always banging the drum about the difference accessibility makes. And here I am, making extra noise this time.

I’d like to highlight the positive impact accessibility has on our lives to show that it really does make a difference.

I knew that I couldn’t do it alone, so I took to Twitter to ask fellow disabled people what positive impact accessibility has on their lives and how it makes them feel. My mentions were flooded with people sharing their experiences, thoughts and stories.

I’d love to include every single response, but I’d probably find myself writing a book, rather than a blog post. If you fancy reading even more replies, then check out the responses under this tweet.

Disabled pals, I need your help!

What positive impact does accessibility have on your life and how does it make you feel?

I’m writing a blog post on this topic and would love to include as many responses as possible. Reply to this tweet to be featured.

— Holly (@lifeofablindgrl) March 22, 2022

 

Listen up and take note – here are some of the ways accessibility really makes a difference. It is more than the right thing to do. It shouldn’t be a ‘because I have to’ process. It should be ‘I want to.’

 

It gives us equal access

“Accessibility is empowering, it’s independence, being able to do things on my own terms and above anything, it’s equality. It shouldn’t be a novelty. Accessibility isn’t something I should be happy about when it’s there, it’s something I should expect is everywhere.” – Elin

 

“For me, accessibility means having equal access to opportunities, activities and information. Accessibility makes me feel included and not a burden. Accessibility makes me feel valued. Accessibility makes situations less stressful and means I can do things more efficiently.

Accessibility means I can navigate content with a screen reader. Accessibility means I can access information & equipment without sighted assistance. Accessibility is doing things on my terms. If somebody designs with accessibility in mind, I feel they care about disabled people.” – Alice

 

“Accessibility to me means that as a blind person things become just as visual to me as to anybody else. It makes me feel like I am taking part in a conversation instead of feeling like I’m being left out.” – Juan

 

“Accessibility allows me to do normal everyday stuff that others take for granted. It makes me feel like I’m equal and have value.” – Nicki

 

“Access is a correction by a world not designed with us in mind. Access is a fight. Access is a right.” – Jess

 

“Accessibility in digital spaces matters to me, as a blind person. On my socials, alt text means I can enjoy photos I otherwise wouldn’t be able to make out. Audio descriptions also help me enjoy the shows and movies I like. This way, I can keep up with the action as it happens. When people make sure those options are available, it makes me feel like they truly care. Consistently doing it makes me feel like the person/company actually wants to include those of us who can’t see the media, instead of providing accessibility to be performative.” – Nicole

 

It makes us feel valued

“Accessibility means I don’t have to plan every trip and detail. Taking ramps or other equipment with me. It means I can access everywhere my peers can access. I am included. I am not disadvantaged. There is equity. It makes me feel like an equal and valued member of society. It enables me to live my life to the full and have a good quality of life.” – Hannah

 

“I think of accessibility as a little love note. A love note that says “we want you here, too! Here’s some easy parking, ramps, and an elevator!” – Pam

 

“Accessibility is like the distant relative that you never see. You just miss it when it is not there.” – cesaregil

 

“Accessibility is an act of love.” – Jamila

 

“Accessibility to me is when I’m seen and heard, appreciated, and valued as an equal.” – Sheena

 

“Accessibility means I can turn up, I can be involved and contribute. Accessibility means feeling capable of doing above& beyond. Accessibility means leaving my home& feeling welcome. Not every day is accessible and so not every day can I do these things as a deafblind person.” – Molly

 

“Welcomed in a space, considered and included.” – Aaron

 

It makes life less stressful

“Accessibility to me is like putting in the last piece of a puzzle, everything just works better and is easier. Accessibility means less anxiety and more opportunity!” – Shona

 

“If I have access then I no longer feel that my life has barriers. If my chair can go anywhere then I can participate and I don’t struggle with anxiety and stress.” – Sara

 

“Knowing a company provides an accessible product or website, reduces anxiety over if I can use it and gives me the freedom of choice.” – Tim

 

It’s inclusion

“Accessibility makes me feel included, in a joke or conversation. Alt text on social media is one example which always brightens my day!” – Sarah

 

“Accessibility makes me feel included and like I matter. And while that may seem like a small thing to some folks, it really is not.” – Johanna

 

“Accessibility is inclusion for me. when people make that effort to learn and make their content accessible even if they weren’t aware previously, it shows that they care. about me, about disabled people and want their content to be as accessible as possible.” – Khushi

 

“Ironically, no words will justify how included I felt recently when talking to a couple of friends on a video call. For the first time in over 6 years, live captions enabled me to join in at the same pace, I wasn’t left behind waiting to find out what had been said.

To actually have a conversation in normal time, to laugh, smile or agree within seconds of what was said instead of minutes.

I cried after the video call because I had forgotten what it was like to feel included. But live captions changed that.” – Ami

 

Accessibility is flexibility

“My hearing loss, memory impairment & chronic fatigue are a huge barrier in the office, but nothing when I work remotely. I have now negotiated permanent wfh. It has enabled me to work full time for the first time in a decade. I feel valued and less stressed about my future. – Siobhan @SiobhanVohn

I would be jobless right now without accessibility options. It is because I can work from home and do so with the tools I need that I created my own career when no one else would help me when I was jobless.” – Chad

 

“Being able to work from home and flexi hours is everything and makes it easier to manage my failing health.” – Fuchsia

 

As you can tell, accessibility has an overarching positive impact on our lives. It can be the difference between having access or no access at all. Accessibility plays a positive role for everyone.

When actioned on and implemented correctly, it makes a real difference.

Thank you to everyone that has got involved by sharing your thoughts, I couldn’t have put this blog post together without you!

The lack of accessibility can make things challenging, but by showcasing the true impact of accessibility, we are coming together to strive for a more accessible, equal society.

 

For me, accessibility is all about having equal access. It’s empowerment, freedom and independence.

When something isn’t accessible I feel frustrated. I find myself questioning myself and asking ‘why isn’t it accessible?’

When something is accessible, I cannot tell you the joy and happiness it gives me. I want to be able to purchase something online independently, access a menu in a restaurant and watch the latest popular films and TV shows with audio description. I want to be able to access a document without having to ask for adjustments to be made or for it to be produced in another format.

 

What positive impact does accessibility have on your life?

Accessibility means something different for everyone, but there are shared ideologies, shared experiences and overlapping thoughts that all contribute to the way it makes us feel.

If you have something to add to this conversation then please do share. Let’s make even more noise!

Holly x