Accessibility: not a chore, but a choice
Digital accessibility is more important than many people think. It's not just about a check mark on a list. Accessibility ensures that everyone can participate. Even people who cannot see, hear or read well.
In the Shift2 Podcast, our host Pouyan sat down with two experts: Frits Karskens (accessibility expert at Shift2) and Marijn van der Laan (commercial director at Cardan Technobility). Together they explain why accessibility should have a permanent place in every organization.
What is digital accessibility?
Frits puts it nicely, "Accessibility is the lubricant of inclusion." That means allowing everyone to participate, including online. So accessibility is about more than websites. It's about the right to make independent choices.
Marijn says, "Some people cannot use websites properly. Think of the elderly or people with disabilities. Then you are dependent on help. That's not fair. Everyone should be able to arrange things themselves."
Three components belonging to accessibility
Frits explains that three things are important:
- Legislation - What is required by the rules? Consider conducting an accessibility survey and preparing an accessibility statement.
- Action - What can you do today? Think about registering all your websites and actually taking action.
- Awareness - Understand the why behind accessibility and continue to promote it.
You can compare it to sports. The rules make sure you know what is needed. But you also have to actually start exercising and understand why you're doing it. Otherwise you won't keep it up.
Accessibility is not just a technical task, it's about people. About belonging and being able to participate - Frits
Not just for people with disabilities
Many people think accessibility is only for people with visible or physical disabilities. But that's not true. People with dyslexia, the elderly or people with temporary disabilities, for example, also benefit.
Frits: "User-friendliness and accessibility are close to each other. What works well for people with disabilities also works for others."
Municipalities can make a difference
The government can be an example. For example, by imposing requirements on suppliers or releasing funds for projects.
Marijn: "Just start. Put your websites on the registry. Have an investigation done. Designate someone to be responsible for it. Small steps already help."
This is how to get started with accessibility
Frits and Marijn give clear tips:
- Make a list of all your websites.
- Do a survey eb plug an accessibility statement.
- Designate someone to take up the issue within the organization.
- Get help from experts such as Shift2 or Cardan.
That way, you don't make accessibility a one-time project, but something that will always live on in your organization.
Accessibility is like sports. If you stop training, you fall behind - Frits
Why partner with Shift2 or Cardan?
Frits and Marijn have a lot of experience. They know what works. And what doesn't. They help organizations step by step. No big plans that disappear in a drawer, but practical help.
Marijn: "We bring knowledge. And we also help retain that knowledge within the organization."
Accessibility is not a chore, but a choice
At the end of the podcast, Marijn received a tile that read, "Accessibility is not a chore, it's a choice."
That says it all. Accessibility is not something you 'just do'. It is a conscious decision to make your service better for everyone.
Have questions or want to get started? Then contact Shift2 or Cardan. We'd be happy to help.
