Coding Accessibility: Developing Our Inclusive Future | GitHub

()

Accessibility Importance and Benefits

Accessibility goes beyond ramps and braille, benefiting everyone and enriching society.
Building accessibility from the beginning is more efficient and cost-effective.
Including people with disabilities in the building and design process ensures accessibility.
Accessible software allows people with disabilities to work, learn, and participate in leisure activities.

GitHub's mission is to empower people with disabilities to build technology by removing barriers, innovating for access, and advocating through examples.
Ed Summers, head of accessibility at GitHub, emphasizes the importance of accessibility for everyone, leading to better usability and inclusivity.
Open-source software lowers barriers for people with disabilities to learn software development and contribute to the open-source community.

Technology is a tool, not the solution; selecting the right tool and person to use it effectively is crucial.
Technology can be designed to meet diverse disabilities by adopting user-sensitive design and offering various accessibility options.
Digital technology is adaptable, making it easier to design for diverse disabilities compared to the built environment.
Curb cuts with tactile strips exemplify universal design customizable through digital technology.
AI, such as GitHub Copilot, assists developers with disabilities by providing code suggestions and answering open-ended questions.

Software developers should understand accessibility policies and guidelines and incorporate accessibility training into mainstream software engineering education.
Raising awareness about accessibility is crucial, as many software engineers lack experience with it.
Incorporating accessibility components into student projects and providing hands-on experiences can cultivate considerate software engineers.

Accessibility should be considered in all aspects of technology use, including workplaces, places of worship, and social venues.
Advocates should promote accessible venues, procurement processes, and standards.
Including people with disabilities in technology planning and development ensures their needs are considered.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies have potential for people with cognitive impairments and those needing to explore inaccessible places.

Improved marketing and outreach for accessibility training are needed, as many professionals lack awareness and knowledge about accessibility.
Accessibility training should be foundational and integrated into company practices, like computer security training.
Shifting left in accessibility means addressing issues early in development, rather than fixing them later.
Teach Access provides training and resources on accessibility to new professionals.
The Industry Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) offers certifications in accessibility core competencies.
AccessU is a four-day training event dedicated to accessibility.

Allies can advocate for accessibility in undergraduate programs and encourage companies to create inclusive environments.
The ReadME Project on GitHub has an article dedicated to accessibility.
Companies should welcome and support employees, encouraging them to disclose disabilities and request accommodations.