Digital Inclusion

Digital Inclusion is about ensuring those facing exclusion whether as a result of digital poverty or accessibility changes are not left behind or excluded. More digital services means more of us have to make sure we can take part, but these solutions must ensure that barriers are not included through lack of awareness. Digital inclusion ensures everyone has access to devices and connectivity and the skills, capabilities, and motivation to take part. It is a human right and when done well can benefit the bottom line. This topic will include content about how AI has the dual potential to both reduce and exacerbate the digital inclusion gap.

Last month, AbilityNet hosted the TechShare Pro event in Canary Wharf, sponsored by Google. We learned more about some much-awaited and innovative accessible tech. In no particular order, here’s 14 fabulous assistive and accessible ideas to watch in 2019. 1 Talking Birds Difference Engine For people who […]

The easiest solution to website inaccessibility

January 2019

We audit a lot of inaccessible websites. Many are created by FTSE 100 companies. They are often asset-rich and committed to accessibility. This begs the question: why are the websites inaccessible? The web standards provide the tools for creating high-functioning, accessible websites. It is true […]

‘Web Accessibility Guidelines’ turn 10 but still less than 10% of sites are accessible

December 2018

On 11 December 2008, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) published an important update to their guidelines aimed at making the internet a more accessible place for people with disabilities. Ten years on and we’ve not seen much of an impact. Let’s look at why […]

Two steps to ensuring usability for every user

November 2018

Making sure your websites and mobile apps are usable by the broadest possible audience is essential to ensure that your product is truly competitive. Real-life usability for users regardless of impairment or environment takes two distinct steps. Step 1: Technical compliance The first step to […]

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising sign language

November 2018

Using machine learning to recognise the delicate nuances of British Sign Language (BSL) isn’t easy, but now the University of Surrey is hard at work cracking the challenge with funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. BSL in a nutshell For anyone who […]