Accessibility

The term “accessibility” has largely been used in the context of public places and accommodations over the years, but the definition has broadened to also include the context of digital content, products, and tools. Accessibility refers to giving equitable access to everyone along the continuum of human ability, irrespective of what they seek to experience and how. Accessibility encompasses the physical as well as digital environment that organizations create to make space for people with different abilities.

Organizations must design physical workspaces, job opportunities as well as digital content, products, and interfaces to mitigate potential barriers to access such as visual, motor, auditory, learning, and cognitive challenges. Beyond compliance, creating accessibility for all forms the foundation of inclusive societies, businesses, and workplaces. Not only is accessibility a legal requirement in most countries, but it can also serve as a competitive advantage by opening up markets and talent pools that otherwise would not be able to support an organization as either customers or employees.