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Where do I start with Accessibility? [Updated 9 Mar 24]

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 9 Marcb 2024. Jump to updated Section

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

Document Accessibility

Meeting Accessibility

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:

Where to Designers start with Accessibility?

Where Developers Start with Accessibility?

This section includes links to resources developers will find useful in learning how to include accessibility.

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.

Tell me what you think in the comments below or on X @timdixon82

By Tim Dixon

Tim Dixon has worked in IT for over 20 years, specifically within the Testing Inspection and Certification industry. Tim has Cone Dystrophy, a progressive sight loss condition that impacts his central vision, colour perception and makes him sensitive to light. He likes to share his experience of life and how he navigates the abyss of uncertainty.

2 replies on “Where do I start with Accessibility? [Updated 9 Mar 24]”

Hi Tim,
Impressive list, thank you! Fun fact: we created similar list for our newsletter audience (it is in Polish) and looks like completely independently we have built very similar list 🙂
Microsoft resources are really good, also other two big companies have something valuable for beginners:
Apple: https://developer.apple.com/accessibility/
Google: https://www.google.com/accessibility/

We recommend also free, high quality courses on e-learning platforms:
Coursera:
– An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design
EdX:
– Introduction to Web Accessibility
– Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility

Hope you and your readers find it useful.
Cheers!

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