Accessibility is usability for all
-------------- Interaction Design Foundation
A Broader Perspective of Accessibility
Sunday, 8 September 2024
Today I realized that accessibility affects many aspects of life, even for people like me who don’t have a disability. I found the idea of “limited activity” particularly interesting—situational or temporary conditions that can make life harder for anyone. I used to think accessibility was only for people who are blind or missing a limb, but my perspective has expanded. For example, when I first arrived in Finland with large suitcases, I experienced a “situational” limitation myself, struggling to move around the city. This made me understand that accessibility isn’t just about permanent disabilities—it’s about making life easier for everyone in many different situations.
Terminology and Understanding
I learned that using appropriate language around disability is important and deeply connected to history, culture, and respect. Language can reflect bias or discrimination, so it’s important to:
Avoid negative or outdated terms, like comparing people with disabilities to “normal.”
Focus on the person first (e.g., “person who is blind”) or, in some contexts, identity-first (e.g., “disabled person”), depending on community preference.
Avoid terms that project feelings onto someone’s situation, like “victim of.”
Recognize the difference between impairment (a condition) and disability (the interaction between a condition and the environment).
Understand that terminology evolves over time, varies by context, and that respecting how people choose to identify is key.