The Future of Digital Accessibility

The Future of Digital Accessibility

Most Organizations aim to comply with Disability laws and often make strides toward accessibility. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that electronic and information technology is accessible to people with disabilities, including employees within an organization or company. 

It is essential, by law and by the need to have your organization accessible to everyone, to make your digital platforms accessible. The barriers to digital accessibility make it challenging for people with diverse abilities to get equal digital services. It’s either they cannot access the digital platforms entirely, or their disabilities play a role in making it a bit more challenging.

Therefore, organizations should rethink their online platforms’ digital designs to be more inclusive. Organizations that champion the rights of people with diverse abilities see a future where digital accessibility will cease to be a cry for help but rather something that companies see the need to have. So, what is the future of digital accessibility?

Increased Awareness and Implementation

The need for more awareness of digital accessibility is essential. People need to learn the importance of digital accessibility regardless of whether or not they are part of the one billion people with disabilities. Increased awareness will result in more implementation of digital accessibility. Ultimately, awareness without implementation is not helpful at all. So far, so many people are aware of the rights of people with disabilities as stipulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, people with disabilities still suffer due to the barriers to accessibility that are not duly implemented. So, as much as people should educate to increase awareness, there needs to be more effort in place to implement the same. Organizations can implement awareness by teaching people about diverse user needs. Increased awareness can also go as far as preparing people for careers in digital engineering, where there is an emphasis on digital accessibility. 

Inclusive Design

Getting organizations to implement accessibility in their digital designs can be an uphill task. However, as mentioned earlier, the law requires electronic and information technology to be accessible. Additionally, as a business, you attract more people when you are a company that recognizes, champions, and implements the rights of people with diverse abilities. So, the ball is in your court as an organization or company. How would you implement inclusive designs for increased accessibility?

Websites with Voice Recognition

An inclusive design would look like a website with voice recognition to help people with disabilities like visual impairment access online services.

Image Descriptions and Video Captions

A website with an inclusive design can also include image descriptions and captions for videos that can help people with hearing impairments. 

Consistent Navigation

Consistent navigation menus on websites can be essential to persons with intellectual and memory challenges. If the navigation is consistent, persons with disabilities will create a memory of how to access your website and services.  

Machine Learning

Machine learning can help in the implementation of digital accessibility in various ways. For instance, it can help analyze the fluctuations in the brightness of a video on the website and buffer it before it displays on a computer screen. This can help people with photographic sensitivity. 

Work with Applied Development LLC to Learn How to Implement Digital Accessibility in Your Organization

Applied Development LLC champions the rights of people with diverse abilities, and accessibility is top of our priority. We strive to help your company do the same regarding accessibility and inclusion. We offer diversability services such as sign language interpretation, CART services, reader services, advocacy, and outreach to help people communicate effectively.

Call us today at 410.571. 4016. or contact us online for more information about ADA compliance and reasonable accommodations.