In an episode of AXSCHAT, accessibility advocate Lainey Feingold joined Neil Milliken, Debra Ruh and Antonio Vieira Santos to discuss the significance of accessibility legislation worldwide. The conversation centred around the importance of accessibility laws, the challenges they face, and the critical role of advocacy and awareness in promoting accessibility globally.
The Growing Need for Accessibility Legislation
Lainey Feingold began by highlighting the rapid expansion of accessibility legislation worldwide. She emphasized the importance of her ongoing effort to update the “Accessibility Law and Policy Around the World” resource, which she started in 2013. The list was significantly shorter then, reflecting the increasing global awareness of accessibility issues.
Community Collaboration in Updating Legislation
Lainey Feingold reached out to the community for support in updating her resources, and the response was overwhelming. Many individuals, including Neil Milliken and his team, contributed valuable information about accessibility laws in various countries. This collaborative effort aims to create a comprehensive and up-to-date reference for accessibility legislation worldwide.
The Power of Web Accessibility Guidelines
The conversation touched on the significance of web accessibility guidelines, particularly the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Lainey emphasized how WCAG has become an international standard, serving as a reference point for many accessibility regulations. By adhering to these guidelines, organizations can ensure their digital content is accessible to all.
Harmonizing Accessibility Requirements
Neil Milliken brought up the challenge of harmonizing accessibility requirements globally while acknowledging regional differences and cultural needs. He stressed the importance of consistency in standards to prevent fragmentation and ensure the delivery of accessible products and services worldwide.
Balancing Accessibility with Security
The discussion expanded to include the delicate balance between accessibility and security, with Antonio Vieira Santos sharing an example of security concerns limiting the use of assistive technology in certain regions. Lainey Feingold emphasized that accessibility is also about security and privacy for people with disabilities, as inaccessible technology may force individuals to compromise their security or share confidential information.
The Role of Disabled Employees
Neil Milliken made a crucial observation regarding the extra effort that disabled employees frequently undertake in championing accessibility within organizations. Lainey acknowledged the emotional and physical labor that went into such advocacy work and emphasized the need for companies to have a more significant presence of disabled employees throughout their ranks to share the responsibility.
Preventing Burnout in Accessibility Advocacy
The discussion concluded with a reminder of the potential burnout faced by accessibility advocates, especially when they’re a minority within an organization. Lainey Feingold stressed the importance of corporate brands not relying on just one or two individuals for accessibility expertise. Instead, they should promote accessibility as a shared responsibility among employees, fostering a culture of inclusion and awareness.
In conclusion, the conversation on AXSCHAT highlighted the increasing importance of accessibility legislation and the need for a global collaborative effort to promote accessibility for all. It underlined the significance of adhering to accessibility guidelines like WCAG, balancing accessibility with security, and recognizing the critical role of disabled employees in driving positive change within organizations.
Categories: Digital Accessibility, disability, education, Fututure of work
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