Despite being well into the age of digital technology, there is still much to be done in order to make digital content – particularly online accessibility – more accessible for people with disabilities.
In Malaysia specifically, the push for disability-inclusive digitalisation exists, though its impact is somewhat limited, resulting in many local PWDs not having the same ease of access to information and communication technology (ICT) compared to abled individuals.
Such limitations can have far-reaching negative consequences. For example, the lack of digital accessibility during the early period of the pandemic caused difficulties for many PWDs in seeking help and information.
According to a local study focused on women and girls with disabilities, 94.9% of the study’s participants suffered from emotional and psychological problems due to the pandemic.
Furthermore, the study noted that these women had to deal with those issues on their own; a direct result of lacking digital accessibility.
This is simply one of many cases to showcase a clear need for greater digital accessibility. That said, such efforts shouldn’t be left solely to the implementation of inclusive national policies.
Even on an individual level, there is much we can do to improve digital accessibility for PWDs. Here’s how:
Basic Guide For Digital Accessibility
Own a website or have online content in any form? If so, there are several simple guidelines anyone can follow to make their online platform more accessible:
Use clear, easy-to-understand language. Even assuming the online content you’re providing is highly technical, make an effort to limit the use of complicated words and phrases. Difficult language can make reading a huge challenge for people with certain disabilities, such as those with dyslexia. Also, complicated words can complicate the process of acquiring knowledge, not only for those with learning disabilities but also in general.
Have alternative text options for visual and audio content. Any of your content that isn’t text-based should have text descriptions in some form. This will allow people that rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers to perceive and access these types of content.
Allow for keyboard navigation if possible. Not everyone is able to use a mouse to point and click. With keyboard navigation, it allows such individuals an easy way to access your website or online content with a tap of a keyboard shortcut.
Include an adjustable font size modifier if able. Having this as a collapsible pop-up on your website is a great quality of life addition, as it greatly assists reading for people with visual impairments.
Minimise content with excessive blinking and flashing lights. Some people suffer from photosensitive epilepsy, meaning that they can have seizures from exposure to flashing lights or bold, constantly moving regular patterns.
Organise content by headings and lists. Those relying on assistive technologies for online navigation will have an even easier time with clear tags and headlines present on all your content.
Put your content through an accessibility “test”. You can either do this manually – such as requesting a PWD to view your online content – or by using automated tools. Doing this can help you notice any potential issues with your content’s accessibility and allow you to remedy it.
Play with colour contrast. Visual monotony can tire anyone’s eyes, but can make it needlessly difficult for people with visual impairments to view your content. So whenever possible, make sure both your text and visual content have an appropriate level of colour contrast.
Always include captions and transcripts for your videos. This allows people with varying degrees of deafness much great ease at understanding and appreciating your content.
Lastly, always stay on the lookout for any developments in assistive tools and strategies for inclusive online usage. This way, you’ll always be ready to tweak your online content accordingly and keep it digitally accessible for all.
References
Ana Sofia Gala (2024) Digital accessibility: what is it, importance and what are the different kinds? [Accessed 29 April 2024] Available at: https://www.handtalk.me/en/blog/digital-accessibility/
Make The Right Real (2022) Accelerating Disability-Inclusive Digitalization [Accessed 29 April 2024] Available at: https://www.maketherightreal.net/covid-19/initiatives/malaysia
Sanjeev Kapoor (2023) Digital Accessibility: What is it and is it worth investing in? [Accessed 29 April 2024] Available at: https://www.itexchangeweb.com/blog/digital-accessibility-what-is-it-and-is-it-worth-investing-in/
DW Team (2023) Malaysia launches digital literacy program for persons with disabilities [Accessed 29 April 2024] Available at: https://dig.watch/updates/malaysia-launches-digital-literacy-program-for-persons-with-disabilities