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Join us for the European Accessibility Summit 2024. The European Disability Forum (EDF) and Microsoft are teaming up once again for the fourth European Accessibility Summit, scheduled for 7 May 2024 in Brussels and virtually. The EU Accessibility Summit is a pivotal annual event where diverse sectors come together to discuss the significance of accessible technology in the spheres of work, education, and leisure for persons with disabilities in Europe. This edition of the Summit will spotlight crucial themes like: - Accessibility achievements and policy updates during the last EU parliamentary term - The influence of digital accessibility on the voting process and candidacy of individuals with disabilities in the 2024 EU elections - The potential impact of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive on workplace inclusion - AI for accessibility demonstration What to expect for this year? As in previous editions, this is a hybrid event, bringing together the disability movement, industry and policymakers to discuss all things accessibility. This year in June there will be European Parliament Elections, with a whole new, or not so new, set of leaders for the EU in the next five years. We will assess what has been achieved in the last five years- and what remains to be done. We will also have a panel looking at elections. How does digital accessibility, or inaccessibility, impact persons with disabilities voting and standing for election? Where are the barriers, and what are the solutions? We have perhaps all heard about the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which businesses trading in Europe will have to follow- will this improve accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities at work? Finally, as usual, sprinkled throughout the day you can experience technology demonstrations and ask your questions to the experts. We look forward to seeing you. More info on the agenda and speakers on EDF's website: https://lnkd.in/grHtDW4h How to register? Registrations are now open! You can register via this link: https://lnkd.in/gQDtY5Ju Accessibility The conference’s language is English. All sessions will include international sign interpretation and live subtitling and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Contact If you have any questions about your participation or any specific accessibility requirements, please contact the event team: [email protected] The conference will be livestreamed and recorded, and a photographer will also be present.

Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) which invites us all to embrace inclusion. This day aims to spotlight the digital access challenges faced by over a billion individuals with disabilities and impairments. Through learning and discussions, GAAD urges developers and content creators worldwide to prioritise accessibility. Did you know that WebAIM analysed one million home pages for accessibility issues and found that: 👉 98.1% of home pages had at least one failure 👉 60.9 was the average number of errors per home page Some of the most common accessibility failures are: ➡️ Low contrast text ➡️ Missing image alt text ➡️ Empty or broken links ➡️ Videos without closed captions Accessibility in social media is important so that people with disabilities and impairments have the same access to consume and interact with digital applications and content. Everyone should have equal access to information, accessibility is about more than just ticking a box. It ensures everyone can access information with ease. Accessibility removes barriers and unlocks the possible. So together let’s work to a more inclusive experience for all! Changing the way you view people with a disability can be inexpensive and also can benefit you and/or your organisation and society as a whole can benefit you in many ways. At Diversicare Solutions, we believe in harnessing the power of diversity. Ask yourself and your colleagues the following questions. 1️⃣ How is diversity and inclusion valued within the organisatio’s culture? and 2️⃣ How does your organisation promote career development opportunities for employees with disability? There are many advantages to including people with a disability in your conversations and within your workplace and community. ✅Access to talent By focusing on skills rather than stereotypes, you access an untapped pool of talent. ✅ Increased innovation Employees with diverse experiences have different approaches to problem solving. ✅ Increased engagement and retention Employees who feel included have higher levels of loyalty and enthusiasm. ✅ Better reputation Customers value companies that show a real commitment towards inclusion. ✅ Benefits for everyone Everyone benefits from an inclusive workplace, not just those with a disability. Comment 'inclusion' or reach out if you're serious about conversation integrating disability inclusion into your organisation. Let's build a more inclusive future together! #globalaccessibilityday #disabilities #advocacy #inclusivesociety

I just returned from the USA after vacation and have a newfound appreciation for accessibility there. Comparing it to India, where infrastructure for people with disabilities is still growing, it's eye-opening to see how well accessibility is integrated in the US. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the hard work of disability rights organizations deserve much credit for this. Ramps, elevators with audio cues, and designated parking spots aren't just conveniences; they're symbols of empowerment. But my observations didn't stop at physical accessibility. In today's digital age, so much of our lives happen online. For people with disabilities, inaccessible interfaces can be tremendous obstacles. Now, I see digital accessibility from a different lens. It's not just about running tests—it's about inclusion. Digital accessibility isn't just a service—it's essential for people's lives. It's about making systems more accessible for everyone. It's beyond automated or manual tests; it's about inclusion. Everyone needs to step up—from leadership to content authors. Digital Accessibility is a holistic approach. Everyone has a role to play: ✅ Leaders to make accessibility a top priority, not an afterthought. ✅ Clients prioritize accessibility in their online presence, not only for the sake of complaint but also for inclusion. ✅ Business Analysts ensure user stories include diverse needs. ✅ Designers must create interfaces accessible to all. ✅ Developers should build with accessibility best practices. ✅ Testers need to identify accessibility barriers. ✅ Content Authors make the content friendly for people with impairments, easily readable, and understandable. Let's build a digital world where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive!  #accessibility #digitalaccessibility #inclusion #disabilityrights #ada #Section508

Did you know July is Disability Pride Month? ✨ Our Accessibility vision shows our commitment to being accessible to people with disabilities and to work towards globally recognized accessibility standards for our digital products and services. Over the past few weeks, we’ve held a number of initiatives to mark our progress towards this goal, especially in spreading awareness about accessibility challenges among colleagues and external partners. Christopher Patnoe, EMEA Head of Accessibility and Disability Inclusion at Google, joined a few of these activities and reflected: “What was interesting to me was finally speaking to people ‘outside the choir.’ Too often we say the same things to the same people, and we all agree wildly…. Then we wonder why things aren’t changing. What The Stepstone Group has built was an opportunity to raise awareness of the opportunities of the intersection of AI and Accessibility to a new audience.” Here are some of the ways we’re working towards our Accessibility mission: ⚖️ Hosted the AbilityNet European Accessibility Act Forum in London, bringing together industry leaders to discuss key legislation. 🔬 Mimouna Mahdaoui launched our Accessibility Lab tour, engaging over 200 colleagues with exercises to promote an accessibility-first approach. 🎂 Celebrated the 2nd anniversary of our Champions of Accessibility group with guest speaker Molly Barnes, a leader in digital accessibility. 🤝 Held a Meetup with specialists on AI, fairness, ethics, and accessibility, fostering inclusive product development. #DisabilityPrideMonth #Inclusion #Accessibility #AI #RadicallyInclude

🌟🌍 Yesterday was the UN's International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Early looks at the UN Disability and Development Report 2023 show that we’re way off track on several of their Sustainable Development Goals for folks with disabilities. It’s time to step up our game and give everyone the support they need to succeed. As we observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it's imperative to acknowledge the critical role of accessible research and design in reshaping digital products. The digital landscape is only going to become more complex, and we can’t afford to make products that leave people behind. Hubert Florin, a Product Designer at Slack, has noted that accessibility isn't just about meeting standards; it's about fostering a philosophy that enhances experiences for all users. Florin notes that accessible design choices aren’t a constraint but a pathway to better decision-making, simplifying the design process and improving usability for everyone. Slack’s journey exemplifies how integrating accessibility principles leads to enhanced user experiences. Florin highlights instances where design choices tailored for accessibility inadvertently improved overall usability. From color palette reduction to interface contrast enhancements, each step toward accessibility resulted in a more intuitive and universally beneficial product. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities stands as a reminder to intensify efforts in creating inclusive, accessible products. Because while accessibility issues can be frustrating for many users, they can be devastating for people with disabilities. The commitment to accessibility isn’t just about compliance (although legal risk is certainly one factor to consider). It's about empowering users and the people who create products, services, and environments, ensuring digital experiences and our workplaces are universally welcoming. A good place to start is with an accessibility audit. Whether it’s the products you're building or you’re trying to improve accessibility for your employees, you won’t know what needs to change until you know where you stand. And it’s important to consider all types of disability, including sensory impairments, such as visual and hearing issues, cognitive, learning and neurological disabilities, motor disabilities and speech and language disorders. By embracing accessibility as a design philosophy, companies can pave the way for a more inclusive digital landscape that caters to the diverse needs of users worldwide. #A11y #InclusiveDesign #InternationalDayofPersonsWithDisabilities #AccessibilityMatters Want to talk about an accessibility audit for your organization? Reply here, DM, or drop us a line! 

'I don't have employees with disabilities.' 'We have highly educated customers, they don't have any problems.' Heard any of these things before? Well, then you know why there is a need to raise the profile on the need for accessibility for employees and customers. If you this isn't familiar to you, here are some things to know: - 1 in 5 Europeans have a disability - More than 80% of disabilities are invisible or hidden (just because we can't see them doesn't mean they are not there) - Long Covid is a disability - Only very few people (5%) are born with a disability - The majority of disabilities are acquired in a person's lifetime So what does that mean for businesses? - Your employees more than likely have some form of hidden disability - You are more than likely losing customers (20%+) because you don't cater to their needs This is something that affects every business. Without action, you will get left behind. Without action, you can lose employees. Without action, your competitors can take your clients. But when you take action, you are moving towards a more productive workforce, more sustainable growth with access to more customers and reduced risk of litigation with legal compliance. Accessibility is your competitive advantage. It is your brand reputation. It is a better future. That future starts today. Take action on accessibility. #TakeAction #Accessibility #AccessibilityMatters #Inclusion #EmployeeExperience #CustomerExperience Alt text: The picture shows the logo of 'Leaders for Accessibility' which is the name of the network in white on a purple background. In front of it is a white pyramid that looks like an A and symbolises a mountain and the journey to accessibility with a bright yellow heart in the top right-hand corner.

🌟 Accessibility: Opening Doors to a More Inclusive World! 🌟 Did you know that around 15% of the world's population lives with a disability? That's more than one billion people facing various challenges on a daily basis. As we strive to create a more inclusive society, it is crucial that we address the concept of accessibility head-on. 🔹 Accessibility is not just a nicety; it is a necessity. It encompasses not only physical spaces but also digital platforms, services, and communication. By making these accessible, we empower individuals with disabilities to fully participate in all aspects of life. 🔹 Let's break down the barriers! When it comes to physical spaces, consider implementing features such as ramps, elevators, and wide doorways to enable easy entry and movement. Ensuring accessible washrooms and signage benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities. Remember, accessible design benefits us all. 🔹 The digital world is an integral part of our lives, so let's make it inclusive too! Websites and apps should be designed with accessibility in mind. This means using proper heading structure, alt tags for images, and providing captions for videos. By doing so, we enable individuals with visual or hearing impairments to fully engage with content. 🔹 Communication is key! Let's make it inclusive. Ensure that your presentations and documents are available in various formats, such as Braille, audio, or electronic. Captions and interpreters should be provided during events and meetings to accommodate individuals with different communication needs. This ensures no one is left behind. 💔 Accessibility is about more than just ramps and captions. It's about fostering a culture of inclusivity and empathy. 🔹 At its core, accessibility is a matter of respect and human rights. By prioritizing accessibility, we create a world that celebrates diversity and values the contributions of every individual. We have the power to break down barriers and remove the stigma associated with disabilities. 🔹 Remember, disability does not define a person's abilities or worth. By embracing accessibility, we unlock the potential of individuals to contribute their unique skills, talents, and perspectives to organizations and society as a whole. 🔹 Let's challenge ourselves to think beyond compliance and truly strive for universal accessibility. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. 🌟 Accessibility: Opening doors to a more inclusive world. Join me in embracing accessibility and together, let's create a better future for all! 🌟 #AccessibilityMatters #InclusionForAll #EmpowerThroughAccess

Looking to connect with more people in accessibility and also disability advocates. Please suggest people to follow. If this is you, let’s connect 👉🏾👈🏾(emoji means shy or nervous). Also, we DIAL Design are still building a directory of people with disabilities across Africa. We’ve recently updated it to include The Caribbean, Asia, and The Middle East. And also carers of people with disabilities too. The purpose of this directory is to have a trusted source of experts to consult or be part of future accessibility and inclusive research processes in these different parts of the world. Like the saying goes: “Nothing for us without us”. You get paid for every project you work on. Except you choose to volunteer. There’s options to do both. Anyway, please share, repost, join our growing list. Let’s make our world more accessible together! https://lnkd.in/dhmxdCas #DisabilityPride #DisabilityAwareness #InclusiveResearch #InclusiveDesign #Accessibility

If you work in accessibility, are these comments familiar to you? Sheri Byrne-Haber (disabled) summarizes well how to reply with facts. If you don’t have organizational stats to share, quote national data, like those posted at Statistics Canada | Statistique Canada for Accessibility. Link in comments.

Invisible disabilities are why accessibility needs to be the standard. You can’t tell someone’s ability just by looking at them. All too often we hear stories of individuals being criticised for parking in handicap spots or requesting accommodations because they don’t “look disabled.” Disabled people shouldn’t be expected to prove their impairment. The truth? The majority of disabled people don’t use assistive technology. Everyone’s disability is different, with varying needs and attributes. Everyone deserves accommodations without being subject to scrutiny. Don’t judge based on appearances. Promoting inclusion and accessibility at every step is the way to combat this issue. If accessibility becomes standard, these situations can be avoided. Image ID: Carousel of five text images. First image reads, “Did you know? Over 74% of Americans with severe disabilities have “invisible” disabilities. The danger of assumptions based on appearances.” Second image reads, “Disabled people shouldn’t be expected to prove their impairment. All too often, people judge a person’s disability based on how they look or if they’re using assistive technology.” Third image reads, “Looks can’t tell someone’s story. Only 2 to 8% of blind and visually impaired people use a white cane. Everyone’s disability is different, with varying needs and attributes.” Fourth image reads, “Invisible disabilities still impact people’s lives. Accessibility needs to be the default. You never truly know who needs it.” Fifth image reads, “Join our mission to promote inclusion and raise awareness for accessibility. Follow and share for more.” #InvisibleDisability #Blind #Blindness #Accessibility #Inclusion #InclusionForAll #Access #AccessForAll #Advocacy #Disability #AltText #ImageDescription