Inclusive marketing and communications consultant, accessibility strategist, speaker, author
41,585 followers
There's more to accessibility than assistive technologies (AT), such as screen readers and alternative inputs. Companies that want to create inclusive and accessible experiences need to think beyond AT. Examples: - Processes - Motion - Verification options - Communication options - Alerts - Colors - Text formatting Processes refer to interactions with customers. Tech support entered a chat with me. They asked for a phone number in case we got disconnected. I explained I'm deaf and that's not a good option. I suggested they offer choices of an email address or a phone number. The next time I contacted them, they gave me a choice of providing an email address or a phone number. Such a simple change made a huge difference. Another example. I was watching a video from a company that wanted my feedback on captions. I could barely tolerate the video with a lot of fast motion. It's a problem for many folks with and without disabilities. Some have an animated GIF in their email signatures. Every time I open the email, repetitive motion plays endlessly. I can't stop it. Though I have reduced motion turned on, it won't work for this. It also makes the email file size bigger, which affects performance. If the animated GIF is important, then you can work around it by creating a YouTube or Vimeo video and linking to it. It gives people control. Verification options refer to calling someone to verify their identity. Often, the only option is a phone call. Texting needs to be an option. Emailing needs to be an option as not everyone has a phone. It's OK to require verification as long as we have choices. Communication options refer to giving us choices in how we communicate. Often, a company's contact information only lists a phone number. We need another option. Many folks don't like phone calls, not just those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Why can't we sit next to each other and text each other in a noisy room? I've had an entire conversation on an airplane using pen and paper. Sometimes the initial communication may be accessible, but it changes later. For example, I chatted with support. They said they needed to escalate the ticket to a team that only does phone calls. Sometimes, tech support will suggest I have someone call for me. I'm a capable adult. Besides the person who helps me shouldn't have access to my private information. It's a privacy issue. Alerts are how we get notified. Offer options. Android and iPhones do a great job of offering many custom notification options. I still run into hotel rooms with no visual fire alarm. What other ways do we need to consider accessibility aside from keyboards, switches, other inputs, assistive devices, and assistive technologies? Color contrast and text formatting make or break the experience. 🔔 Tap the profile bell 👉 Follow #MerylMots for more ✉️ Want to work together? Contact me. #Accessibility Image: Chase verification form with a choice of being texted or called.