Technology Accessibility

Alicio

Alicio

In a society where we are increasingly connected and use the Internet for everything, accessibility to technology becomes absolutely essential.

With accessibility we mean the ability to use technology easily, comfortably and without interruptions or limitations, regardless of the person.

The importance of facilitating access to technology

Digital accessibility includes the use of technology as a tool to eliminate disability barriers.

Every day, we stay connected and use the Internet for everything; either, to relate to each other on a personal or work level.

The problem is that not all people have the same opportunities because not all of us have the same physical and/or mental characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to facilitate access to technology.

Many companies are already working on accessibility to technology so that the whole of society can take advantage of its benefits.

Adapting to digital accessibility implies reaching more users

The objective of companies that are committed to digital accessibility is to reach the widest possible audience.

If we take into account data from the WHO, there are more than 1,000 million people in the world who have some type of disability. In figures, they account for 15% of the entire population, which is a very high number. Also, not all disability situations are the same.

When companies design their web pages or programs, they must focus not only on the remaining 85% of people, but on the entire world, because we all have the right to enjoy technology.

Digital accessibility focuses on creating digital products of all kinds (apps, programs or websites), suitable for all users, regardless of whether they are disabled or not. Therefore, it focuses on including and taking into account all these situations of disability, whether they are neurological, physical, hearing, visual, speech disorders, etc.

The ultimate goal is that people do not have to adapt to new technologies, but that new technologies are the ones that can adapt to all people.

Is it mandatory for web pages and apps to be accessible?

As in all areas, regulation is not the same for all countries. In the US there are laws that require accessibility in digital tools. For its part, in the EU this obligation is only required for web pages and mobile apps related to public entities, as stated in Directive (EU) 2016/2102, of the European Parliament and of the Council.

In general, in the world a series of web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are defended. It is where the standards to be met by digital products that want to achieve the “accessible” seal are established.

The benefits of digital inclusion for companies and society

Complete digital accessibility happens because companies develop solutions that allow building a more equal and inclusive society, which provides facilities to all people.

It is an important advance, not only from the point of view of morality and ethics, but also to improve people’s quality of life. Adapting to digital accessibility means getting more users, which can have a beneficial impact on the company’s results.

Companies must take advantage of the full potential of the tools they use and their knowledge to promote technologies that are accessible to all people, regardless of their particular situation.

Technology has changed the world as we know it and has not stopped making our lives easier. But with the introduction of this concept of accessibility to technology, it can now also be a great ally in breaking down barriers for people with disabilities. 

We are therefore moving towards the search for inclusive solutions to facilitate access to technology for all.

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