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But, there’s still a long way to go.
The best way to show the importance of accessibility is to educate individuals and industries alike on why it’s so necessary. Let’s take a look at some things that are already being done to help those with visual disabilities, and what more needs to happen to improve accessibility at large.
Going Beyond the Basics
Disability Rights laws ensure that individuals with impairments can’t be discriminated against in the workplace, and entitle them to accessible accommodations. Even educational facilities are required to make accommodations for students with disabilities. But, that isn’t always enough.
People with visual impairments often need more than what the basics of these laws require. College students with visual impairments, for example, might face challenges like:
- Living with people who aren’t visually impaired
- Navigating campus
- A lack of Braille resources
- Technological challenges
Similar challenges can pop up in the average workplace, making it difficult for those with visual disabilities to be as productive or successful as they’d like to be. No one should feel hindered at their job due to a lack of necessary accommodations.
Businesses and educational facilities alike can create better access by educating their employees/students and restructuring things to include 3D maps, Braille signage, and accessible technology.
Digital Accessibility
Whether you use it for work, school, or the social aspect, technology is designed to make our lives easier.
Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case for those with visual impairments. Internet access is still needed for those with visual disabilities, and some websites have paved the way for accessibility by featuring transcripts and captions, but it still remains the exception instead of the rule. Private businesses don’t have to comply with information technology accessibility standards the way federal agencies do. Web accessibility should include everything from keyboard navigation to alt text on images, and whatever other assistive technology necessary to make the experience easier.
For those who aren’t visually impaired, it’s easy to take things like technology use and comfortably going to work and school for granted. However, that’s the problem. Until more people are made aware of the obstacles those with impairments face, active changes won’t be made.
Whether you’re someone who deals with a visual impairment or you have influence in a business or educational facility, you can be an advocate for accessibility. Keep these ideas in mind and educate others on the importance of accessibility for all. The more people who are aware of these needs, the more likely it will be that we see inclusive decisions made in private businesses and educational institutions across the country.
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