Digital technology is central to modern life. It enables disadvantaged people to gain independence in society, yet, as CNBC highlights, even core technologies – such as the internet – remain inaccessible to many people, especially those living with disability. Despite the potential that digital tech provides for accessibility demands, progress has been slow; however, the past two years have finally kicked the industry into gear, and new developments are encouraging.
Developing independence
Some of the challenges that disability create are relatively simple to diagnose and try to rectify; for example, wheelchairs are a clear remedy for mobility issues. Other conditions, such as cerebral palsy, are more complex in their needs. According to Georgia State University, technology needs to have a stated aim of being transformative – and the advancement of VR platforms is meeting this need. VR platforms allow individuals with cerebral palsy, and especially children, to play in ways that they might otherwise be limited against. These methods will also provide options in adult life for interactions, providing greater levels of independence.
Businesses pushing forward
Furthermore, the priorities of big business – and big tech in particular – is pushing forward awareness over accessibility needs. This has most clearly been manifested by Google who have started to strongly weight accessibility in their search rankings. According to Teen Vogue, this is creating measurable, appreciable improvements in accessible tech; technology is becoming fit for a wide range of accessibility needs and enabling disabled people.
Society benefits with accessibility
The most important change that has been seen over the past two years is the universal acceptance of how important accessibility is. As Slate outlines, the circumstances of the pandemic have shown that heeding the needs of disabled people, and making sure that technology and society is inclusive of all accessibility needs, actually helps to enrich society in a wider sense. When every potential accessibility need is met, this means that everyone has the confidence to interact and be independent within society without worrying about when they too may start to require accessible tech.
Accessible tech has started to become more and more widely available. Big and small tech alike are more aware of the demands that disabled people have when it comes to their specific needs. As it happens, introducing this tech to every part of daily life will enable not just those with specific needs, but society as a whole.
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