ReynoldsBusbyLee Support Global Accessibility Awareness Day
- 17 May 2021
We are proud to celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day by joining together with Recite Me to raise awareness of the importance of creating a digital world where more than one billion people with disabilities/impairments can access online content barrier-free.
Thursday, 20th May marks Global Accessibility Awareness Day’s 10th anniversary. A key date in our calendar to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion.
The World Health Organization’s World Report on Disability found that 15% of the world’s population are living with a disability. Of this number, it’s estimated that one in 5 people do not have access to the assistive technology they need. If you account for family members too, this rises to 53%.
Every online user deserves a first-class digital experience and, according to the Office For National Statistics, 10% of UK adults are defined as digitally vulnerable, either without access or the skills required to engage online. Someone with access needs due to disabilities/impairments must be able to experience web-based services, content and other digital products with the same successful outcome as those without disabilities. We must be mindful of the many first time users too - the ONS report that 7.5% of UK adults have never used the internet.
When visiting our website people can use our accessibility and language support tools to create a unique and customisable user experience. Support options include text to speech functionality, fully customisable styling features, reading aids, and a translation tool with over 100 languages, including 35 texts to speech voices and many other features. We also use this to demonstrate the importance of making websites accessible in our TRUST training.
Introducing a Recite Me accessibility toolbar serves not only the user but the provider too. 82% of customers with accessibility needs reported they would spend more if websites were accessible (source: The Purple Pound).
Together we can build an inclusive online world. This starts by creating awareness on an individual or organisational level and helping others to understand the opportunities presented by inclusion, we can all make a positive difference together.
To see how the Recite Me Tool bar works, click the big red button on the top right of your screen labelled ACCESSIBILITY TOOLS. You'll then see a new menu bar appear so you can give it a try. It's as easy to set up as it is to use. If you’d like to hear more about the training we provide or our personal experience of working with Recite Me
Elaine Lee
