Inclusiveness, the new accessibility, is a norm, not a novelty

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"Accessibility" has become a buzzword in all aspects of technology across all industries. However, by only focusing on accessibility, we miss the whole purpose behind researching accessibility in technology. Technology has the ability to be naturally inclusive, providing solutions that are naturally accessible to everyone. Inclusiveness shouldn't just be about ticking an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) box, but rather designing the experience from the start for each group or individual, ultimately normalizing inclusivity in technology development to extend accessibility.

Here's the thing: it's almost impossible to separate accessibility and inclusiveness. Especially as we live in a time of heightened sensitivity and scrutiny, it is imperative to heed the call to promote and practice inclusivity while trying to educate and encourage those who express resistance. or a refusal to do so. Whether it's an individual expression on a personal social media account or a public statement from a large corporation, we hold each other to a higher standard.

Given today's craving for inclusive communities and environments, inclusivity and accessibility (regarding products or services) are not as prolific as one might think or hope. Some industries are feeling an increased demand to create ADA-compliant features; we see it in performance halls, professional sports stadiums and hardware developers. Inclusiveness dominates the conversation on online platforms, web design, and new immersive experiences in the arts.

Microsoft has been a pioneer in this area for years. They have a designated department intended to focus solely on accessibility, producing keyboards and computers that offer inclusive terms from the start. It is a perfect example of the fusion of accessibility and inclusiveness; there is no delineation separating products with these characteristics from a generic model. And as a result, more companies are beginning to follow suit, establishing protocols and procedures to ensure that products and services are designed with accessibility in mind, which seamlessly promotes inclusivity. /p> Event

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These efforts have a simple but enormous impact on consumer-facing markets. People with a number of disabilities or with accessibility needs can shop directly with the rest of the population. There is no disruption to this experience, having to ask for help or search in a different area of ​​the mainstream product line.

Technology has always enabled mankind. Aqueducts, foundry, vaccines, mass production, the Internet: these are all transformative technologies that have fundamentally enabled a new mode of human existence through the development of cities, the diversification of our lifestyles and places to live, and to advances that improve sanitation to prevent mass extermination. from our own by-products.

In the beginning, technology was necessary to help humanity persevere. Although there is a lot of work to be done in underdeveloped parts of the world, technology in first world countries has gone beyond the purpose of survival and helping humans to thrive. Technological innovations...