Mike Taylor from the Digital Accessibility Centre highlights the barriers to digital accessibility and the importance of understanding access challenges in project planning. He also explains the role of assistive technology in enabling independent access to digital content
Launching any project or significant strategy incorporates various strands, including people, time and money. Often, a key aspect that is either misunderstood or overlooked is the level of digital accessibility awareness when considering the level of access required when various user groups use a service or system.
An understanding of the difficulties which many users encounter will enable key understanding and a high level of awareness to start to filter into the planning, development and delivery of a project which involves participation of multiple users.
Once a project is agreed upon, such as an online service receiving modifications or the implementation of a completely new system, rigorous testing and surveying of as many users as possible who are impacted will help to raise potential problems earlier in the process, which can then be prioritised for implementing solutions. Results of this approach can vary, as there is a reliance on users interacting with such surveys and initially disclosing access requirements, possibly. However, once users are aware of the benefits of a new system, for example, a consistent approach from as early as possible will enable users to liaise.
The necessary parties should be informed about the identified problems so that appropriate solutions can be implemented.
Why is digital accessibility important?
Digital accessibility affects everyone, more than some may realise. Digital accessibility includes but is not limited to: users who have significant mobility limitations or visual impairments, as well as users who are struggling to understand what is displayed on screen or how they progress through a journey. It is clear from this that digital accessibility covers pretty much all users in some way during our lives.
For this reason, it’s important for us all, even if you identify as having no perceived problems when viewing content online, to be aware of potential barriers to digital accessibility.
What prevents good progress towards digital accessibility?
Often, such a question gives rise to a myriad of answers; however, from experience, a lack of awareness of the barriers that can come from a lack of accessible online content is a key reason. Often, there are other factors, such as budgets and problems implementing a policy, to consider. These factors can help identify key areas where research and implementation of accessible solutions can be realised, and what assistive technology exists for users. On the other end of the research, survey respondents may have concerns about privacy if they are asked to disclose specific information. Not all users may trust that their information is secured, however, as is often the case, some users may not even identify that they have an access requirement.
A path that is a good indicator, as long as users are happy to participate in any research, may be the amount of assistive technology used to access digital content. Assistive technology (AT) is software which enables users to access digital content independently, enabling them to perform many tasks. A topic I’ve written about in previous articles outlines examples of how this allows users to access and manipulate content. To gain a deeper understanding, I would urge you to perform a search of your device for accessibility. Or if you know where it is, take a look within the menu to see what options are present. Once done, you have already overcome a basic area of research, which is a general awareness of accessibility and software which exists for users on a wide range of devices.
To identify potential problems for all users, we need to look beyond just AT users, because digital accessibility affects everyone in some way, as highlighted above. It’s at this point that we need to remind ourselves of the ‘why’? Not only is it beneficial for all users as it promotes independence and helps many overcome a barrier to a lack of confidence in the use of online services, but it also increases access to education and employment, and a feeling of value to society. Going one step further to highlight this, if content is accessible, it should be easier for all users.
Once a plan of action is agreed, a plan to monitor and test content is required to move forward. Using the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) will enable developers and content authors to identify ways to develop accessible content. One thing which is likely to assist in this work is having more than one way to be contacted; otherwise, it is unlikely that key information will be provided when developing an accessibility road map.
Pulling it all together
In conclusion, I am not suggesting that everyone needs to become an expert in digital accessibility; what I am suggesting, though, is that people can make changes by thinking about digital accessibility at the start of a project, simply by asking the question: ‘Have we considered how this affects all users?’
Here are some examples of user groups who should be able to access your content online. Please note this is not a complete list: users who have limited mobility, users who are visually impaired (including those with varying degrees of sight loss, including no vision), users who have photosensitive epilepsy, users who experience anxiety, and users who are deaf (including those with varying degrees of hearing loss).
Using this as a guide will certainly be a good indicator moving forward; however, keeping an open mind and an open door to all impacted groups will serve as a great launchpad.
