Category: Social Issues

Useability vs. Accessibility

Recently I read an article, Usability vs. Accessibility which was included  in the December issue of the WebAim newsletter.

The  article discusses the two concepts usability and accessibility as they pertain to websites and website design.  Although I thought the writing style was clunky and not particularly readable, especially by a non-techie, the author made some important points, with the most concise and pertinent point being  this one:

. . .Usability is mostly about the methods of making the navigation more facile while accessibility is about making the navigation possible for everyone. The difference is simple: a usable website is “user-friendly” while an accessible website is “all users-friendly.”

Food for thought indeed.

Human Rights for All

While doing some research about holidays and observances in December, I learned that December has two observances that speak to human rights. December 3 is the 30th anniversary of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which promotes the continuing integration of persons who are disabled into society. Also in December is the United Nations Human Rights Day which was established on December 10, 1948 by the U.N. to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which sets forth basic rights and freedoms to which all are entitled.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 was established by the International Year for Disabled Persons in 1981. The Day is set aside to promote a better understanding of disability issues with a focus on the rights of people with disabilities and societal gains that come from the integration of people with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic, and cultural life of their communities. This year’s theme is, “Together for a better world for all.”

In 1981, when the United Nations first observed the International Year of Disabled Persons, the theme was “Full Participation and Equality.” In 1982, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the World Program of Action Concerning Disabled Persons, The WPACDP is best described as a global strategy to enhance disability prevention, rehabilitation and equalization of opportunities, which pertains to full participation of persons with disabilities in social life and national development. The WPA stresses the need to approach disability from a human rights perspective.

Human Rights Day

Predating the declaration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the WPACPD is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration sets out a broad range of fundamental human rights and freedoms to which all men and women, everywhere in the world, are entitled, without any distinction. The UDHR was adopted on December 10, 1948. December 10 has since served to mark Human Rights Day worldwide.

The Most Universal Document in the World

The UDHR is truly a universal document. Not only was it was drafted by representatives of all regions and legal traditions but it is also the most translated document in the world. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has been awarded the Guinness World Record for having collected, translated and disseminated the UDHR into more than 380 languages and dialects: from Abkhaz to Zulu. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is thus the most “universal” document in the world.

With the passage of time, the Declaration has been accepted as a contract between governments and their peoples. Virtually all states have accepted it. The Declaration has also served as the foundation for an expanding system of human rights protection that today focuses also on vulnerable groups such as disabled persons, indigenous peoples and migrant workers.

650 Million People with Disabilities Worldwide

It is estimated that there are 50 million people with disabilities in the United States and 650 million people with disabilities worldwide (approximately 15% of the world’s population). Nearly one-fifth of the estimated global total of persons (110-190 million), living with disabilities encounter significant difficulties. Moreover, a quarter of the global population is directly affected by disability, as care-givers or family members.

Much work needs to be done to ensure basic human rights for all persons. For individuals with disabilities, despite all the progress that has been made over the last 30 years, individuals with disabilities still face many disadvantages in society and are frequently subjected to stigma and discrimination. In addition, they remain marginalized, disproportionately poorer, are frequently unemployed and have higher rates of mortality. They are also excluded from civil and political processes and are overwhelmingly voiceless in matters that affect them. When individuals with disabilities are empowered to participate in their communities, their entire community benefits, as their involvement creates opportunities for everyone – with or without a disability.

Social Media and Accessible Technology

This summer, I participated in “CPD 23 Things,” an online continuing education opportunity sponsored in part by the Nebraska Library Commission. Participants (librarians) experimented with a variety of social media tools (e.g., Prezi, Pushnote, Google Docs, Evernote, citeulike and many more). We were to experiment with items discussed in one or more posts (“Things”) each week and blog about them. In addition, some weekly assignments asked us to think about our personal “brand,” library advocacy, and other elements of professional development.

So Much to Think About

The experience was almost overwhelming in that there were so many things to explore and often times we were comparing similar tools, (e.g., Google Docs and Dropbox). At the same time we were also asked to think about whether we would or could make meaningful professional or personal use of  any of the tools we were experimenting with.

Like many who participated, I tried some tools that I knew immediately that I would have no use for. There were other tools  that I need to think about and experiment with some more; there were a few tools  that I was already using or that I embraced and am using now.

The “23 Things”program was a positive experience and I’ve continued to read about and explore new tools and resources. Truthfully, it is daunting to not only try to remain aware of emerging technologies but also to sift out the gems from the dross and chaff.

Complexity Increases

Assistive technology or equipment adds its own layer of complexity to our computer dependent society. Being savvy about assistive technology and equipment can also be a formidable task. Sometimes identifying and acquiring the proper technology or equipment is not the only challenge. User-friendliness, learning curve, and price add to the issues that must be considered. In terms of computer software or equipment, issues of compatibility with existing hardware or software, and license requirements are additional considerations.

We indeed live in exciting, if dizzying  times. Some adaptive technology and/or software has gone “mainstream” now and is marketed to a broader audience (Dragon Dictate comes to mind). With the advent of “smart” phones (and similar “smart” technology), more and more apps are being developed that open up the world for individuals with disabilities. This is good!

Smart Technology Changing Lives

A recent article from Mashable Tech, 4 Ways iPads Are Changing the Lives of People With Disabilities is only one of several articles I’ve skimmed recently that talk about how IPads, and other “smart” tools are enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. An April 2011 post from the Blind Blogger entitled, Creating a Mobility App for Blind People, talks about a mobility app for the Android phone. Thomsen Young
compiled a handy list of the top 10 “most useful” iPhone apps for deaf and hard of hearing consumers.”

Educational apps are also beginning to proliferate and at our recent conference, WinAhead members were fortunate to have an informative presentation by Lenette Sprunk of ESU 3 about a number of useful apps and technology such as the LiveScribe smart pen (I want one!). The image below shows the apps Lenette shared with attendees.

It’s exciting to see how smart phones and similar technology are tools usable by everyone including individuals with disabilities. The pace of technological development is dizzying but exciting. Learning how to remain technologically savvy and aware is a significant challenge we all face but it is worth it.

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