Did you know that today’s devices come with a wide array of accessibility features? It’s not often common that people know about them, but they should. anyone that has access to or is actively using technology should not only be aware of the accessibility features of their devices, but they should also have an understanding of their function and purpose, as well as an awareness of where to go for support in leveraging those features to use for individuals with and without disabilities.
When we recognize the variability of humanity, we, as my friend Andratesha Fritzgerald says, honor each other. When we are intentionally leveraging built-in accessibility features on technology devices in our daily lives, in schools, and employment, we are removing barriers to access for people with and without disabilities that benefit from having these supports.
Part of the work in recognizing the variability and honoring each other is to challenge our assumptions, our judgments, our attitudes, and our beliefs. part of the work, and recognizing the variability and honoring each other is to challenge our assumptions, our judgments, our attitudes, and our beliefs.
You might not even be aware that you are using an accessibility feature. Do you use Siri? If so, you are using an accessibility feature. I is the font size on your phone a little bit larger? You are using an accessibility feature. using dictation or voice typing to write a blog post? Big surprise! You were using an accessibility feature, so if you are using them, why would you not allow learners employees or other people to use what works for them?
I would really like to invite you all to take this opportunity to explore built-in accessibility features on your devices. Below are some resources that you can use to learn more depending on your devices operating system, will dictate the amount of accessibility features that are available and the different ways that you can access them. Find what works for you, and use it.
Resources:
Wakelet of Accessibility Features
