Digital accessibility in business

In an increasingly inclusive world, digital accessibility is a critical issue. Discover in this article how to implement digital accessibility measures in your business.

In 2017, more than 1 million Quebecers over the age of 15 lived with a disability, whether visual, motor, hearing, intellectual, or psychological. That represents just over 16% of the population!

So why exclude more than a sixth of the population from employment opportunities in your company? Therefore, with a view to inclusivity, it is wise to take steps to improve digital accessibility in your company.

As you can see, digital accessibility promotes the social and professional integration of people living with disabilities. But in addition to this benefit, it helps raise awareness among your employees about the different needs of each individual and the concept of accessibility.

How do I implement digital accessibility in my business?

Digital

• Update your website to meet government web accessibility standards . Make sure most information is accessible in less than 3 clicks. Also, add a link to an accessibility page available on all pages of the site, such as the Views and Voices page . Use contrasting colors. Accompany images with a visual description. Allow for larger text sizes, etc.
• Offer documents in formats adapted to the individual's needs. Adapt the font and size. Also, favor contrasting colors. Offer an audio format. Add subtitles to videos. Use video descriptions. Many adaptations are possible depending on individual needs.
• Install reading aloud software for people who cannot read.
• Choose computers that can be modified to accommodate different needs (either through software or physical modifications). Ideally, you should communicate with the employee to determine their needs and preferences.

Telephone communication:

Ideally, the employee should be able to test the device before purchase, but here are some general recommendations.

• For people with vision-related disabilities.  Choose a phone with tactile cues on at least one of the keys. A phone with audible and spoken alerts, voice recognition, and the option to add a voice amplifier. Use different ringtones for each contact. If the phone has a touchscreen, it will need to have a screen reader (assistive technology software).

• For people with motor-related disabilities.  Choose a phone that's a good size (to make it easier to hold), with large enough and clearly defined buttons. Also, consider devices with Bluetooth and/or hands-free options, as well as voice recognition.
• For people with hearing disabilities.  Choose a phone with a voice amplifier, Bluetooth, and the ability to send and receive text messages, a vibrating ringtone, and video calls.
• For people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder, choose a phone that's easy to use and whose basic functions are easily accessible. Ideally, it should have buttons and features that are easily identifiable through pictograms, images, large fonts, etc. It's also important that the ringer volume is adjustable, and that both audio and spoken signals are available. Choose a smartphone.

The workspace:

• For people with vision-related disabilities, choose a workspace that allows for good screen visibility (windows, lighting, and wall color should be considered).
• For people with mobility-related disabilities,  choose furniture on casters and with height adjustments. Also, ensure that the workspace is easy to navigate (no obstacles). Choose a lightweight computer mouse that can be used with both left and right hands, with options available on the mouse and/or additional buttons.
• For people with hearing disabilities: Install visual alarms (doorbell, fire alarm, etc.). Choose spaces with little echo or ambient noise and good lighting (to facilitate lip reading). Also choose a computer mouse that makes a sound when clicked.
• For people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorders. Avoid auditory or visual overload in the workspace. Also, prioritize tools with simple user processes. Make it easier to display information (bulletin board, whiteboard).

Go further

You can also take training courses to improve your knowledge so that you can welcome a person with a disability into your company in the best possible way.

Finally, if you are looking to purchase adaptive equipment for your employees with specific needs, Adaptech offers a large database of “free or low-cost” adaptive computing technologies.

Will these adaptations be expensive?

While the cost of these adaptations is often a major concern for small businesses, there are many grants available to help you implement these adaptations.

• The subsidy for businesses adapted by Service Québec.
• The work integration contract proposed by Emploi Québec.
• Wage subsidies offered by Emploi Québec.

In summary

With digital accessibility becoming increasingly essential in a world that seeks to be more inclusive, it's more important than ever to take steps like the ones we've outlined.
These adaptations, which may seem trivial to those who don't need them, can be a real vector of social integration for your employees and future employees!

Finally, if you're still unsure about the benefits of digital accessibility, implementing it will also allow you to meet the needs of your customers with disabilities. A significant competitive advantage!

About Nexxo

Nexxo Computer Solutions specializes in providing IT and technology services to Quebec businesses. Its mission is to offer Quebec companies IT services tailored to their needs. Acting as an external IT department, it handles all of a company's IT tasks, allowing it to focus on its business activities. It achieves this by collaborating closely with its clients and putting their interests at the center of its concerns.