Technology: Can It Make Our World More Accessible?
Technology could be said to be one of the best modern inventions of humankind. But, not only does it bring us convenience, it can also create a more inclusive world for disabled people.
Definitely, new technology is essential in allowing disabled people to access things they need. Technology and other inventions in general has always helped disabled people lead independent lives. For example, wheelchairs and walking aids were once non-existent and the development of these tools allowed disabled people to travel from place to place. These inventions also include everyday things we take for granted such as the iRobot cleaner, hearing aids and even (yes) the plastic straw. As we advance into the digital age, most of our daily activities can be found online, and technology should help increase accessibility. These could be screen readers, special keyboards for Braille or physically disabled people and more.
More or improved technology isn’t always the answer though, as quoted from Eric Matthews, an advocacy associate at Disability Rights International. The advances in technology will only be truly effective if we first change our mindsets and attitudes towards the disability community. Even though modern society has progressed far and many are actively fostering diversity, there is still the ever-present ableism and discrimination that disabled people face. Many non-disabled people aren’t willing to make accommodations that disabled people rightfully need or adapt to technology that will help them, such as adding subtitles to videos for D/deaf or hard-of-hearing people and writing alt text for blind/visually impaired people who use screen readers. They aren't even willing to do simple things such as changing the size and font of website text (which is what you should do, even without considering accessibility).Technology can only go so far if what we say in terms of accessibility are just empty words.
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