Building a Culture of Accessibility: From Awareness to Action
The digital landscape has become an integral part of our daily lives, with individuals relying on a wide range of digital platforms, including websites, mobile applications, and software solutions. However, many people with disabilities continue to face barriers in accessing and using these digital products, limiting their participation and engagement. Integrating digital accessibility into the development and testing departments yields numerous benefits. It broadens the potential user base, allowing organizations to reach a wider audience and cater to the diverse needs of users with disabilities. By prioritizing accessibility, software engineering teams demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity, cultivating positive brand reputation and customer loyalty. Building a framework for accessibility within the organization encourages collaboration among team members, including designers, developers, testers, and user advocates, encouraging an environment where accessibility is a shared responsibility. In this paper, we have listed practical techniques, tools and steps to implement a culture of accessibility in your workspace.
Dhara Pattani
With 7+ years of experience in IT industry, I am a quality assurance specialist working with AAFP. My expertise includes accessibility testing, understanding business requirements and test development. I hold certifications as a Scrum Master and ISTQB Agile Tester, which have developed my team management and leadership skills.