This article first appeared in Digital Edge, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on October 4, 2021 - October 10, 2021
Digital accessibility refers to creating digital products and ecosystems that can cater for a wide range of people with different needs. This can include people with physical or cognitive impairments.
The global standard for digital accessibility is known as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, an initiative by the World Wide Web Consortium.
In an ideal world, all platforms should accommodate all types of people. Until then, here are some practices and tools that we can promote.
1 Accessible videos
Those with impaired hearing cannot consume web content such as videos if they are unable to hear the audio.
Closed captioning or subtitling will allow text to be displayed on the video to provide information. It is also not limited to just speech, and can include non-speech elements such as sound effects.
Next time you post a video on social media, try to include your own captions using in-built features so it can cater to a wider audience. Platforms such as Rev Captioning and MixCaptions are some of the many options available online for longer videos.
2 Be My Eyes
Be My Eyes is an app that connects people who are blind or have low vision with sighted volunteers using live video calls. A back-and-forth conversation is possible through the call.
With the Specialised Help feature, users can connect with company representatives for accessible customer support. The app harnesses the power of generosity, technology and human connection to help blind and low-vision people lead more independent lives.
The app is available in more than 180 languages and is free for both iOS and Android.
3 Accessible images
For the visually impaired, descriptions of visual images allow the content to be accessible. This includes people who are blind or with low vision, for example.
Alt text, also commonly referred to as alternative text, is used within an HTML code to describe the appearance or purpose of an image on a webpage. A good alt text should be concise but relevant enough to describe the image’s context. A number of platforms, including Twitter and Google Docs, have in-built alt text options.
4 Genuine collaboration
The best way to learn is from people’s lived experiences. Reach out to differently abled people, as well as boost online visibility for creators that talk about their unique accessibility needs.
Collaboration and communication make the world go round. #inclusive
5 Accessercise
Accessercise is an app specifically for the fitness needs of people with impairments. It was developed by Ali Jawad, a British paralympic powerlifter and world champion.
“Exercise must be seen as something for all, regardless of impairment, and that’s why we launched Accessercise — to help break down barriers and change the way the disability community lives active lifestyles,” he says.
Although it is not available globally yet, features include a social hub of like-minded people, educational content and personalised new exercises, as well as a directory of gyms ranked by users for accessibility.
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