September 20, 2023
Laws regarding the accessibility of online resources have been around for some time, both in Canada (2019) and in the United States and Europe. In 2021, Ontario has increased its requirements and we can expect a move towards greater web content accessibility in the coming years. Interview on this topic with Kim Auclair, web communications consultant.
If you are unfamiliar with the reality of being a person with a disability, you may think that the Internet is a – in some ways almost optimal – tool of choice for obtaining information. Finally, a hearing-impaired person can concentrate on “text” content and a blind person can concentrate on “audio” content. However, Kim Auclair reflects a much more complicated reality.
For many people who, like me, are integrated into the world of hearing, it is very difficult to follow online courses, webinars, etc. Even subjects in regular lessons at school. I know people who have struggled to adjust their schedules, have access to course notes, and progress at their own pace. When I was younger, I didn’t dare talk about my deafness at school. I often had to work twice as hard as the others. »
Since the start of the pandemic, remote workers “without disabilities” have discovered the challenge of understanding each other in virtual conversations. We can easily imagine that the challenge is double for a deaf or hard of hearing person who wants to interact online or consult certain content.
One of the biggest obstacles for deaf and hard of hearing people on a daily basis is access to information, argues Kim Auclair. Making online content more customizable or accessible reduces the likelihood of missing out on information.”
Don’t limit yourself to subtitles
What you need to understand is that a person communicating information over the web (through videos, webinars, Zoom meetings, online training, podcasts, etc.) has thousands of opportunities to make life easier for deaf or hard of hearing people. And it goes beyond just adding subtitles to a video.
We’re talking about subtitles, but we’re also talking about the use of simple words and images. Agree to submit notes at the end of a live Zoom event. Provide good lighting to make lip reading easier. Send an agenda or topics discussed before a meeting or presentation. Eliminate visual distractions in videos, agree to rephrase what you just said, or offer to explain things in writing (in chat) when asked to clarify a message…”
Kim Auclair reminds us of the importance of keeping the “eye focus” on the person’s face. After a virtual meeting, it is possible to do something that makes a big difference, such as sending a summary of the exchange via email. In the case of an asynchronous video or webinar, you can transcribe the audio files using an application.
Of course, the consultant is aware that implementing these strategies requires an investment of time and sometimes money. At the same time, there are financial support programs to cover the costs of making content accessible.
These small actions not only help many more people than we think, but also make everyone feel included, argues Kim Auclair. It also increases the chances of being more involved in discussions. »
In the end everyone wins.
Discover our training courses: