Engineering Culture by InfoQ cover image

Engineering Culture by InfoQ

Making Digital Accessibility More Than Just High Contrast: Building Truly Inclusive Software

Nov 8, 2024
Sheri Byrne-Haber, an accessibility expert with a rich background in computer science, law, and business, dives deep into the world of digital accessibility. She emphasizes that accessibility is more than just high-contrast colors; it’s about creating inclusive software experiences for all users. The discussion touches on the importance of integrating accessibility into design processes, the legal risks of non-compliance, and the challenges of AI bias affecting accessibility. Sheri also highlights the need for community engagement to promote awareness and collaboration in this vital area.
27:59

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • True digital accessibility involves making products universally usable for individuals with disabilities, extending beyond visual aspects to include all user experiences.
  • Organizations need to embed accessibility within their design framework from the start, ensuring comprehensive adherence to standards and teamwork across departments.

Deep dives

Understanding Accessibility Beyond Basics

Accessibility is often misunderstood, with many believing it simply pertains to visual elements like high contrast colors. However, true accessibility means ensuring that products, services, and experiences are usable by individuals with disabilities. This includes not only digital interfaces but also physical aspects such as packaging and access to facilities. A more comprehensive definition focuses on whether people with disabilities can effectively use the items in question, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of accessibility in various contexts.

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