Accessibility awareness has improved substantially in recent years\u2014in fact, it wasn\u2019t long ago that many people with disabilities could not use the internet without many barriers. And while this improvement in accessibility awareness has been very positive, there is still a long way to go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many organizations began their focus on accessibility simply for the sole reason of being compliant with the law\u2014but did not take into consideration the human experience behind their accessibility-inclusive efforts. As such, there are many accessibility tools scattered throughout the world of technology that miss the mark entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After all, accessibility shouldn\u2019t be about legal issues; it should always be about real people and their unique experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To combat the challenges mentioned above and hurdles, we believe it\u2019s important to showcase the real human experiences of people with disabilities, how they navigate the world through modern technology, and what good VS bad interaction means to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before we jump into real-life stories, I want to distinguish what Assistive technology, or AT, is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
AT is \u201cany item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system designed to increase, maintain, or improve the functionality of persons with disabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, AT can be low-tech, like basic communication boards, or high-tech, like special computers. Wheelchairs, walkers, and braces can all be AT, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This month we are highlighting one of Allyant\u2019s very own: Sam. Sam\u2019s story and the hurdles that Sam faces with Cerebral Palsy (CP) when navigating technology. CP is a disorder that affects a person\u2019s motor control and ability to move and maintain balance and posture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a person with a disability, Sam has used various AT devices. He relies on AT for both professional and personal purposes. Without these devices, Sam would likely have a lower quality of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sam\u2019s daily experience with technology is not unlike many others. For the most part, his assistive technology choices work incredibly well for him, enabling him to access the same things everyone else does. However, there are occasions where AT is limited, leaving Sam frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the human factor that so many people never think of\u2014an otherwise typical digital, document, or print experience being very different (and potentially frustrating) for many people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sam requires both software and low-tech AT, similar to what we listed above, and requires the use of a power wheelchair\u2014the AT device that is most essential to his daily life. Without his power wheelchair, he could not get around independently. He would have to rely on someone whenever he wanted to go somewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n