[Tn-talk] New Disability.Blog Post on the Importance of Accessible Information & Communications Technology

[Sheri Anderson]

Accessible Information & Communications Technology and Social Media:
Why They Matter
By Guest Blogger Mario Damiani, Policy Advisor, Office of Disability
Employment Policy (ODEP), U.S. Department of Labor
In my work helping to develop policies on accessible workplace
technology, I have sometimes fallen into the trap of looking just at
the “little picture.”  By that I mean that sometimes I’ve focused too
much attention on making sure that information and communications
technology is (ICT) is compatible, or interoperable, with assistive
technology specifically screen readers.  I know I’m not the only one
who has made this mistake, because I come across a lot of information
suggesting that once a website is found to work with a screen reader
or another type of assistive technology, the accessibility discussion
can simply end there.  Millions of people around the world use
assistive technology, so it is understandable that interoperability is
a very important issue.  But it sometimes commands so much attention
that we forget to look at the “big picture” of fully accessible ICT or
the biggest picture of all, universal design.
I find it odd that I have made this mistake since I do not use a
screen reader and thanks to laser eye surgery, now have very good
eyesight.  But I know that may not last forever.  Still, what is more
likely than the possibility that I might have to rely on a screen
reader at some point in the future is the fact that my neuromuscular
disease will continue to progress to the point where severe muscle
weakness limits my ability to use a computer keyboard or mouse.
Read More About Accessible Information & Communications Technology and
Social Media