According to the World Health Organisation, over one billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. Despite this, many digital platforms remain inaccessible. Global Accessibility Awareness Day encourages designers, developers and organisations to consider accessibility in their digital products and services, promoting a more inclusive online environment for all users.
At Clearleft, accessibility isn't an add-on; it's built-in, it's a fundamental aspect of our design philosophy. As a leading design transformation agency, we strive to ensure that every product and service we create is accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities. This Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we’ve chosen to highlight some of our recent projects, blog posts, podcast episodes and videos that embody our commitment to accessibility. While we often let our work speak for itself, this day provides a valuable opportunity to share our journey and the principles that guide us in creating inclusive digital experiences.
Thinking:
Awareness - Awareness is good. It’s necessary. But it’s not sufficient.
Applying the four principles of accessibility - Web Content Accessibility Guidelines—or WCAG—looks very daunting. It’s a lot to take in. It’s kind of overwhelming. It’s hard to know where to start.
Neurodiversity and accessibility: Reflections from our recent panel - Reflections on the ideas and perspectives shared during our recent panel exploring neurodiversity, accessibility and inclusive design.
Designing for neurodivergence is designing for all - Decisions you make in design and build can have real-life impact for neurodivergent people who want or need to use your digital products.
Accessibility audits for all - It’s often said that it’s easier to make a fast website than it is to keep a website fast. Things slip through. If you’re not vigilant, performance can erode without you noticing.
Accessibility testing - I was doing some accessibility work with a client a little while back. It was mostly giving their site the once-over, highlighting any issues that we could then discuss. It was an audit of sorts.
Accessible interactions - Accessibility on the web is easy. Accessibility on the web is also hard.
Listen:
The Clearleft Podcast, season two - episode three: Accessibility. Join Laura Kalbag, Léonie Watson, and Cassie Evans as they dive into accessibility on the web. And experience what it’s like to use a screen reader to navigate a website.
Watch:
Online Panel: Is neurodiversity the next frontier of accessibility in UX design?
Priyanca D'Souza at Research by the Sea 2024 - A more holistic approach to accessibility
Geri Reid at Patterns Day 2024 - Don't worry, the design system takes care of accessibility!
Irina Rusakova at UX London 2022 - Designing with the autistic community: inclusive design that benefits everyone
Work:
Case Study - Imperial College London. This is the story of how we worked with Imperial to transform its website, aligning an ambitious new strategy with its bold new brand.
Case Study - Camden Council. This is the story of how we helped Camden Council see user-centred improvements to their special educational needs and disabilities Local Offer website.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day reminds us of the importance of inclusivity in the digital world, reinforcing the message that accessibility is a continuous journey towards a more inclusive digital future.
References:
World Health Organisation: Disability and Health
GAAD: Global Accessibility Awareness Day
