The Ministry of Public Health reports that one in seven people has a disability worldwide, with many experiencing negative attitudes and difficulty accessing public spaces. However, many people also experience challenges when accessing websites, whether this is for work or for leisure. The European Disability forum reports that those unable to connect online may feel isolated and are at risk of mental health issues. As a result, there is an increasing need to make the internet more accessible to individuals with disabilities in the coming year. How can this be achieved?
Home Learning
Saint Martin University Disability Support Service offers course materials in alternative formats and extra time for examinations where needed. Many students will be using the internet to home learn, but some may face challenges. Extra Images and text may create a visual clutter for those with dyslexia, and people with visual impairments may find some web learning content incompatible with screen readers. Educators can check with the European Electronic Communications Code to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access.
Home Working
Homeworking can make businesses more inclusive; that is, they can enrich their workforce with people who may not be able to travel into the office. Providing home working equipment such as laptops, adjustable chairs, and online assistive technology can help those with a disability immensely. However, the communication software used by businesses should also be accessible to those who have specific needs. For example, some virtual meeting applications do not provide sign language-related features, and video lag hinders lip reading. Unfortunately, this may be an issue that has to be handled within businesses by use of the chat features until the software has addressed this.
Home Shopping
Home shopping has become a necessity for many people, with the online grocery shopping market expected to grow by 66% by 2023. The need for isolation among those most vulnerable has likely increased the demand, but many face challenges when online shopping. Many websites are not set up for those who can only use the keyboard - for example, people who have arthritis (making mouse use painful); those who do not have use of their hands at all; or those who have low vision. Setting up an e-commerce site that is accessible to those who have these needs will likely improve the quality of life for many consumers in 2021.
It appears that many websites and software developers have much to learn in the area of accessibility, but consultation with local authorities and EU guidelines can help. Employing those from a wide range of backgrounds can help produce ideas that will make the internet more accessible as we move further into the year.
Credits: Bri Cooper.
