COMMON ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGES AND HOW TO ADDRESS THEM
Accessibility is the practice of designing and developing products, services, or environments that can be used by all people, especially those with disabilities. It is important because it promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities for everyone.
Unfortunately, accessibility challenges still exist and hinder people with disabilities from accessing and enjoying the same experiences as others. This article will explore some of the most common accessibility challenges and how to address them.
3 ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGES AND WAYS TO OVERCOME THEM
Let us start with the three common accessibility challenges: digital content accessibility, inaccessible physical environments, and inaccessible communication.
DIGITAL CONTENT ACCESSIBILITY
Digital content is any content stored or transmitted digitally, such as websites, videos, and documents. Digital content accessibility is crucial because people with disabilities may rely on assistive technologies, such as screen readers or captioning software, to access and understand the content.
THE ISSUES
The following are common digital content issues that make it inaccessible:
- Poor website design
- Lack of captions/transcripts for videos
- Inaccessible PDF documents
- Poor colour contrast
THE SOLUTIONS
To create accessible digital content, you can:
- Use proper HTML tags for headings and lists
- Provide alt text for images
- Use automatic captioning software or hire a professional transcriptionist for videos
- Make PDF documents accessible by adding tags and descriptions
- Ensure proper colour contrast by using contrasting colours
INACCESSIBLE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTS
Physical environments refer to any physical space, such as buildings, sidewalks, or transportation. Inaccessible physical environments can prevent people with disabilities from accessing goods, services, and opportunities.
THE ISSUES
The following are common physical environmental issues that make them inaccessible:
- Lack of ramps
- Narrow doorways
- Uneven surfaces
- No accessible parking spaces
THE SOLUTIONS
To create an accessible physical environment, you can:
- Install ramps
- Widening doorways
- Smoothing out uneven surfaces
- Adding accessible parking spaces
INACCESSIBLE COMMUNICATION
Communication refers to any form of information exchange, such as verbal, written, or visual. Inaccessible communication can prevent people with disabilities from receiving or conveying information effectively.
THE ISSUES
The following are common communication issues that make communication inaccessible:
- Lack of sign language interpretation
- Lack of captions in live events
- Poorly designed printed materials
- Inaccessible electronic communication devices
THE SOLUTIONS
To make communication accessible, you can:
- Provide sign language interpretation
- Use captions in live events
- Create accessible printed materials, such as braille or large print
- Use accessible electronic communication devices, such as screen readers or text-to-speech software
THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCESSIBILITY TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Accessibility is essential to people with disabilities because it ensures equal access to goods, services, and opportunities. It promotes inclusivity and reduces discrimination.
At Tender Loving Care Disability Services, we provide disability support services to assist individuals with disabilities in their everyday lives. Our services include specialised transport, day programs, support coordination, and more. If you or someone you know needs our help, please call us at 1300 998 885 or visit our website https://www.tlcdisabilityservices.com.au/ to learn more about our services.