Image Description: Image of icons of all the different assistive technologies and accommodations to demonstrate types of disabilities.
User Accessibility Group
Yet, the majority of organizations agree that testing for accessibility by people with disabilities is important, the majority don’t do it. Many comment that budget prevented them from expanding usability testing to include people with disabilities. Unfortunately, the (business) drivers for accessibility continue to be a mix of legal risk reduction and the desire to do the right thing.
The longer an organization waits to incorporate accessibility, the greater the chance that the products and/or services will be inaccessible (or expensive and time-consuming to retrofit). When your company considers accessibility from the start, you will end up with a(n) stronger, diverse, accommodating, and more robust organization. This will:
- Open the product up to a new market (people with disabilities).
- Increase organizational efficiency and decreases operational costs.
- Build loyalty with customers.
- Future proofs work so it can provide more value later.
- Help reduce unconscious bias by identifying and debunking false perceptions and favors the development of efficient products and services for your users and clients.
While automated and manual testing for web accessibility can identify many accessibility barriers, the best way to ensure an inclusive experience is to involve people with disabilities. Their user experience is an invaluable part of the development process. Below is a video which explains the value of including people with disabilities throughout every phase of your web projects, new online initiatives, and as a service provider.
Closed Caption: Involving People with Disabilities as Testers for Accessibility
Digital accessibility should also be at the forefront of every organization’s priorities as people are now solely relying on digital means for everyday activities. This includes:
- Shopping for necessities and ordering food
- Employment
- Education
- Tele-healthcare
- Socializing and religion
- Community Services
- Finance
- Recreation/relaxation
- Others
With hybrid becoming the new normal, digital systems now have the power – and the necessity – to be more accessible than their physical counterparts.
We Can Support You
EMBRACE 2 Learn Inc. established a User Accessibility Group which consist of people who identify themselves as a person living with a disability, individuals who provide services in the diversity and inclusion sphere, training professionals, and/or take care of (a) person(s) living with a disability. This includes vision loss, blind, hard of hearing, deaf, learning disabilities, neurological, episodic, mental health, cognitive, the aging population, as well as from a training perspective. They will provide feedback and be a key stakeholder of testing for web accessibility, digital accessibility, training curriculum/programs, presentations, and document accessibility remediation.
Creating accessible content, products and services is critical in ensuring that everyone has the ability to participate equally in society without barriers. Addressing accessibility issues early in the development process save time and money — and avoid legal litigations to avoid fines and protect your company brand.
Even though testing may require a bit more time or effort, this practice demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility by ensuring equal access and enhances the user experience of everyone!
“Accessibility is an ASSET; not a privilege.” – Michelle Buckland
Empower Inclusivity through Expert Accessibility Testing
It is crucial to include people with disabilities for accessibility testing and ensuring your products. services, website, and marketing are usable by all. Let’s together promote an accessible user experience. Book a free discovery call today.
Hands-on Testing. Real Insights. Real Access.