Stay Safe Online On #CyberMonday

Here’s why accessibility matters in cyber & IT, plus what you can do to highlight & promote the rights & well-being of people with disabilities not just on #CyberMonday, but every day of the week…Cyber and IT-oriented companies often play a key role in the development of assistive technologies.These technologies are any products or systems that maintain, enhance or improve the functioning of people with disabilities.Assistive technologies are a broad category and include:

• Computer hardware, such as special switches, keyboards or pointing devices
• Software, such as screen readers or eye and head trackers.Special learning materialsHow to be a good teammate for people with disabilities:
• Find Friends First (many people with disabilities do not see their disability or disabilities as a defining feature of their lives)
• Train Everyone (opportunity to improve accessibility in the workplace)
• Removing Physical Barriers (take time to ensure that people with disabilities can move around easily in all areas – from the car park to the restrooms to the boardroom)
• Maintain Flexibility (one source points out that in some cases, “no matter how accessible your workplace is, it will not be sufficient for people with severe mobility impairments”)
• Improve Digital Accessibility (offer captioned video calls, email summaries of key points from meetings and ensure staff have access to visual information)