What are  the digital accessibility practices that you often see being missed? 

I have heard a lot about accessibility and inclusion;however, I have not witnessed much attention being given to digital accessibility awareness and for this reason, I wonder if there is a deficit into what guidelines hold us responsible and accountable for the lack thereof . In order to understand what digital accessibility practices are missed, I feel that it is important to define what digital accessibility inclusion is?

The National Digital Alliance 

defines digital Inclusion as  the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).  

This includes 5 elements: 

1) affordable, robust broadband internet service; 

2) internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user;

 3) access to digital literacy training; 

4) quality technical support; and 

5) applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation and collaboration.

 Looking at this definition it is easy to brainstorm and test what are some of the obstacles to digital inclusion. Everything costs – internet services are extremely expensive. Also , access to digital literacy demands that  individuals sacrifice  limited resources, such as competing for time, funding , and  digital resources

The lack of bigger font text in public spaces  stood out the most for me.  As I begin wearing glasses, I realize how much of a pain it might be for individuals with visual impairment  . Going shopping is sometimes a nightmare, but living with that knowledge everyday is far more alienating .

Why Many digital accessibility practices are missed 

There are several reasons why digitital accessibility practices are missed .In  this society, concerns do not get addressed unless they are raised, and when they are raised their ability to go further depends on networking , who you know, or what political  sway your group holds . Politicians take action when it advances their agenda .

Are there any digital accessibility practices that surprised you? Why?

 The one that surprised me the most was website  font sizes. I take it for granted that with technology it is easy to change font sizes 

Why do you think many digital accessibility practices aren’t more well-known or commonly used?

I think many digital accessibility practices aren’t more well-known because of the gap in the public educational piece . The public is not trained to spot the sign.

As the National  Digital Alliance noted “Digital Inclusion must evolve as technology advances. Digital Inclusion requires intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional and structural barriers to access and use technology.” 

Photo taken from the National Digital Alliance website