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The Accessibility Revolution: What It Is and Why You Need to Play a Part

Mar 21, 2024

The Accessibility Revolution: What It Is and Why You Need to Play a Part

by | Mar 21, 2024 | Inclusive Employment

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The word “accessibility” may have become a buzzword in recent history, but it is likely that the term is somewhat overused and misunderstood. Like many buzzwords that have come before, accessibility is one that is welcomed by communities like the Deaf. But if you are to use it in its purest context and truly take it on as an adapted way of life, it’s best you understand that accessibility is not simply a fashion, it’s a revolution.

The accessibility revolution is a movement to empower disabled individuals. Accessibility means allowing those without ease of access, alternative ways to access the same resources that others enjoy with ease. It is vital that accessibility becomes widely practiced so that it can become the norm.

If you have ever found yourself unable to complete a task because of a language barrier, a gap in your understanding of a certain topic, or because your body simply could not do what was required at that moment, you have a small understanding of what it is like to live with a disability. The power of accessibility is having a friend, crutch, or tool to help you out in moments when you need it the most. Read on to learn about what the accessibility revolution is and why you need to play a part.

What Is Accessibility, Really?

Accessibility means the quality of being able to easily reach, understand, use, or appreciate something. When it comes to ensuring accessibility for people living with a disability, the type of disability, and severity, as well as the personal preferences of the individual should be taken into account.

Suppose a company wanted to make its building more accessible. The first thing they might do is install wheelchair ramps adjacent to their stairs and include a wheelchair-accessible toilet.

If the company then hired a Deaf employee, however, their attempts at becoming accessible would have been futile unless the Deaf employee was also wheelchair-bound.

Accessibility means providing access to resources in such a way that everyone can reach, understand, use, and appreciate them equally. The way in which you provide access is determined by the type of disability potential users are faced with, and how they wish to go about accessing the resources in question.

A part of ensuring an accessible environment is being open with the people involved. If you have a Deaf employee, for example, have conversations with them. Here are a few questions you could ask a Deaf employee while designing an accessible environment for them:

  • What is your language preference?
  • Do you prefer to Sign or speak?
  • Would you prefer to write or type on a phone?
  • Would you like an interpreter for meetings?
  • What do you find challenging in terms of accessibility?
  • Can you hear alarms?
  • Can you read lips?
  • How is the lighting in this area?

Once you have a clear understanding of your employees’ needs, you will be better able to design a space that is accessible to everyone.

What Is Accessibility For Deaf Individuals?

Did you know that there are different types of deafness? Not all Deaf people experience the world in the same way, and that means that they face challenges in accessing resources in different ways, too.

One individual with hearing loss may have grown up in a hearing school, using hearing aids or cochlear implants to assist their sound input, and have received extensive speech therapy. They may participate in society as a hearing person, speak, and lip read.

Another Deaf individual may have grown up in a school for the Deaf, had minimal access to hearing aids or speech therapy, and learned Sign Language from a young age. This individual may participate in society as a culturally Deaf person, relying heavily on Sign Language interpreters, and the written word like captions, texts, or notes for communication with hearing people.

Although these are two extreme examples, there are hundreds of other variables of Deaf individuals you may encounter. Knowing what accessibility could mean for the person you are accommodating comes down to getting to know them and understanding what their barriers are.

Once you are aware of the unique challenges the person faces, and their personal lifestyle and communication choices, you will have a better chance at finding ways to accommodate them and provide accessibility for them in meaningful ways.

Although every person is unique, there are a few universally accepted methods of providing accessibility for Deaf individuals. Some of these include the following:

  • Speak slowly and clearly.
  • Stand in a well-lit area.
  • Do not speak or Sign with a bright light or window behind you.
  • Hire a Sign Language interpreter for important or confidential meetings and events.
  • Learn the basics of South African Sign Language.  (You can even do an online course through DEAFinition!)
  • Use paper and pen, or your phone to write notes back and forth.
  • Install flashing light alarm systems to accompany siren fire alarms.
  • Include your Deaf staff member(s) in team building and social events.
  • Hire a Deaf guest speaker or ask your Deaf staff member(s) to speak at Heritage Day or any other appropriate day where Deaf Culture may be celebrated.
  • Make an effort to get to know your Deaf staff member(s), their language, and culture.
  • Provide workplace posters for clear communication and comprehension by your Deaf (and hearing) employees.

Why Call Accessibility a Revolution and Why Should You Play a Part?

When we think of a revolution, we think of overthrowing the old to bring in a new and improved way, a better way. With the world turning its focus on the humanitarian effort of inclusion and accessibility, there is really no better time than the present to take hold of the momentum and run with it.

For as long as can be remembered, Deaf people have been marginalized, cast into the shadows, and told what is best for them. But this is a new era.

In today’s new world of understanding and willingness to look beneath the surface, more and more people are realizing that what was perhaps once accepted is no longer going to be tolerated.

Accessibility is a revolution. It is taking the world by storm and those who cannot access the resources readily available in an ableist world are making their voices heard, their Signs seen, and their points known.

As a connected human race, it is up to us to join the accessibility revolution. Make allowances for those with differences to gain access to the same resources, the same tools, joys, information, and lifestyle that we have the pleasure of enjoying so freely.

With each new person that joins the revolution, the world becomes one step closer to being free. Imagine an existence where every need is met, there is no shame, no need to sit a meeting out or forego getting a degree or a job because of your disability. When the revolution has done its job, this will be the reality.

So, play your part. Hire a Deaf employee. Get to know them and make your workplace the most accessible environment that employee has ever seen. Change the world for one, and then one more, as we step into our new tomorrow.

Conclusion

There are many ways to create an accessible environment. Get to know your employee and understand what their barriers are. It is also vital to understand what their preferences are before you begin to put accessibility practices in place. The more people and companies understand and become accessible, the more accessible the world will become, and that is the dream: for accessibility to be the norm. That is the goal of the accessibility revolution.

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