Where do I start with Accessibility? is the first question that anyone new to accessibility asks. Therefore, this post aims to provide a starting point to get involved with accessibility, regardless of you level of knowledge or role.
This post was last updated on 4 June 2023 after Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)
What is Accessibility?
Accessibility is the practice of designing and creating products, services, and environments that can be used by everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Accessibility ensures that people with different needs and preferences can access and interact with information, technology, and society without barriers or discrimination.
Resources for Everyone to Start with Accessibility
This section includes links to resources that everyone will find useful for learning about accessibility:
Fundamentals
- Microsoft Accessibility Fundamentals course is a fantastic starting point. The course is free and covers accessibility in many situations for a range of disabilities.
- Giving a damn about accessibility (uxdesign.cc) – An excellent book providing a practical perspective on accessibility.
- Useful external resources on accessibility | Barclays (home.barclays) – a collection of resources on Accessibility, collated by Barclay’s.
Document Accessibility
- How to Make Documents Accessible – a post covering a number of resources for making documents more accessible.
Meeting Accessibility
- Be flexible with the times of meetings, breaks and environments.
- For Microsoft Teams, used PowerPoint Live or Excel Live to provide the most accessible experience for attendees.
- Marie Dubost Accessibility checklists (podia.com) for online and in person events.
Chat and Email Accessibility
- Always provide documents in their native format for their maximum accessibility. For example, send the Word Document or PowerPoint file over sending a PDF or Screenshot.
- Use plain, simple language in emails and chats.
- Minimise the use of emoji’s.
Where do Employers / Managers Start with Accessibility
Accessibility can be a daunting topic for employers and managers, however there a many adhantages to having a diverse workforce and providing accessibility. Here are some resources:
- Disability inclusion and accessibility articles – Scope for Business – a fantastic resource highlighting UK specific resources to support with employment.
Where Developers Start with Accessibility?
This section includes links to resources developers will find useful in learning how to include accessibility.
- Learn Accessibility (web.dev) – This course is created for beginner and advanced web developers. You can go through the series from start to finish to get a general understanding of accessibility practices and testing, or you can use it as a reference for specific subjects
- Accessibility Developer Guide A resource covering how to get and set up the tools you need to develop and test accessibility.
- Digital Accessibility Laws around the world – an overview of accessibility laws around the world.
- A Brief Introduction to JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver | CSS-Tricks – CSS-Tricks – a resource to understand how to use a screen reader for testing.
- Accessibility Testing Best Practices in CI/CD – TestProject – embed accessibility testing into your development processes.
Where Social Media Managers Start with Accessibility
Social Media is one of the most notably online places to witness a lack of accessibility. The resources listed below will help ensure your social media is accessible.
- Inclusive Design for Social Media: Tips for Creating Accessible Channels (hootsuite.com)
- Social for Everyone
- Your A-Z guide for social media accessibility – Life of a Blind Girl
- Social media etiquette for accessibility | CharityComms
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