If you're interested in this, you probably don't need convincing that we all need to be more digitally inclusive – but how can we do it?
I've gathered together a bunch of tweets that were shared on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2021. They include a couple of useful reminders, and some practical things we can all do to help to improve digital inclusion.
Here’s your daily & appropriate reminder on #GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDay
— Molly Barnes (aka Molly Watt) (deafblind) (@MollyWattTalks) May 20, 2021
Not every blind person sees nothing.
Not every deaf person hears nothing.
Not every blind person reads Braille.
Not every deaf person uses sign language.
ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL.
Ever wondered why on earth #a11y is shorthand for #accessibility?
— Katie Parry (she/her) (@supercoolkp) May 20, 2021
It’s the first and last letters of ‘Accessibility’ – with the 11 letters in-between replaced with … ’11’.
Neat 🤓#GAAD#DigitalInclusion#GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDaypic.twitter.com/fiZfjOcGUg
Why is writing social media hashtags in Camel Case important? It's a vital accessibility requirement.
— Guide Dogs (@guidedogs) May 20, 2021
The first letter of each word is capitalised so that screen readers can correctly identify individual words.#GuideDogs✅ #guidedogs❌ #GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDay
Don't include too many emojis in your tweets!
— RNIB (@RNIB) May 20, 2021
Text-to-speech software used by blind and partially sighted people reads out a description for every single one. Listen below 👇#GAADpic.twitter.com/6BKzrq3h0j
It’s a little old now, as features have changed since then, but there are lots of tips on how to caption your content across the main social media platforms in this video from me in February 2020. #CCMeIn#GAADhttps://t.co/E3dY5hmcGe
— Liam O'Dell (Account Inactive) (@LiamODellUK) May 20, 2021
Tip 4: Microsoft has an accessibility checker which is as easy as running the spell checker in Word or PowerPoint. If you do nothing else, use 'Styles' to make headings, not just bigger font, so that screen readers know they're there. #GAADhttps://t.co/BtEYKmFkxKpic.twitter.com/vogSiGYaTs
— Bristol Digital Education (@BristolDigiEd) May 20, 2021
In honor of #GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDay – Here’s a tip to make your @Zoom meetings more accessible for all: add #ClosedCaptioning#Accessibility removes barriers and unlocks the possible. #GAAD#A11y#Inclusivehttps://t.co/yqgzlBEbuEpic.twitter.com/mF3ojdLaDM
— productionglue (A TAIT Company) (@productionglue) May 20, 2021
Plain English is essential. It’s an accessibility basic often overlooked. Content is still confusing, complex, and has jargon. No one really wants it so why do we still get it? To sound ‘authoritative’ or ‘professional’? Plain English does that toohttps://t.co/SyLBsA4eeC#GAADpic.twitter.com/as0IqeG8M3
— Scope for business (@Scope_business) May 20, 2021
Tip 3: Make your information memorable! 🚀
— Supercool. (@supercooldesign) May 20, 2021
Tip 4: Use images (i.e. show your front door)
Tip 5: Use fewer words
Tip 6: Listen (properly)
Tip 7: Undertsand that people often hide their access needs
Tip 8: Be aware that people may not know what they need
You'll find more hints, tips, and links in Supercool's Access Resources
