2023-09-20 21:12:28
September 20, 2023
Laws regarding the accessibility of online resources have existed for some time, both in Canada (2019) and in the United States and Europe. In 2021, Ontario has increased its requirements and we can expect a movement towards greater accessibility of web content in the coming years. Interview on the subject with Kim Auclair, web communications consultant.
When you are not familiar with the reality of a person with a disability, you might believe that the Internet is a tool of choice – almost optimal, in a sense – for obtaining information. After all, a hearing-impaired person can focus on “text” content and a blind person can focus on “audio” content. However, Kim Auclair reflects a much more complicated reality than that.
For many people who are integrated, like me, into the hearing world, it is very difficult to follow online courses, webinars, etc. Even subjects in regular classes at school. I know people who have fought to adjust their schedules, to have access to course notes, to progress at their own pace. For my part, when I was younger, I didn’t dare talk about my deafness at school. I often had to put in twice as much effort as the others. »
Since the start of the pandemic, teleworkers “without disabilities” have discovered the challenge of understanding each other in virtual conversations. We can easily imagine that the challenge is twofold for a deaf or hard of hearing person who wants to interact online or consult specific content.
On a daily basis, one of the big obstacles for deaf and hard of hearing people is access to information, argues Kim Auclair. Adapting or making online content accessible to them reduces the chances of them missing information.”
Don’t limit yourself to subtitles
What you need to understand is that a person who communicates information via the Web (through videos, webinars, Zoom meetings, online training, podcasts, etc.) has a thousand and an opportunity to make life easier for deaf or hard of hearing people. And it goes beyond just adding subtitles to a video.
We’re talking about subtitles, but it’s also about using simple words and images. Agree to submit notes at the end of a live Zoom event. Make sure you have good lighting to make lip reading easier. Send an agenda or topics discussed before a meeting or presentation. Eliminate visual distractions in videos, agree to rephrase what you have just said or offer to explain things in writing (in chat) if asked to clarify a message…”
Kim Auclair recalls the importance of keeping the “focus of the gaze” on the person’s face. After a virtual meeting, it is possible to do something that will make a big difference, for example sending a summary of the exchange by email. In the case of an asynchronous video or webinar, you can transcribe the audio files with an application.
Of course, the consultant recognizes that deploying these strategies requires an investment in time and sometimes, money. At the same time, financial assistance programs exist to cover the costs of making content accessible.
In addition to helping many more people than we think, these small actions allow everyone to feel included, argues Kim Auclair. It also increases the chances of participating more in discussions. »
In the end, everyone wins.
Discover our training courses:
1695265640
#adapt #web #content #deaf #hard #hearing #people