WebAIM’s Post

"I don't have users with disabilities." I’ve heard this statement more often than you might think, especially from industries like commercial trucking. But let's challenge that assumption. Even in trucking, accessibility is essential. Consider this: a commercial trucking service that works with owner-operators. The truck drivers may experience disabilities, both permanent and temporary, that impact their ability to use computers or mobile devices. Think of these situations: Permanent disabilities: Hearing or vision impairments (like color blindness), mobility challenges due to injury, or even chronic conditions like arthritis. Temporary disabilities: Think of the driver who sprains their wrist or has eye surgery, making it difficult to navigate their phone or onboard technology. Situational limitations: What about when a driver is in a loud environment or driving at night with glare affecting their ability to see their screen? And then there are the people (often family members) who support those drivers? What about their accessibility needs? Accessible digital solutions aren’t just a “nice to have”—they are essential for every user, in every industry. Are you prepared to make your online tools user-friendly for all your employees and contractors, regardless of their abilities? #WebAccessibility #Trucking #UserExperience #InclusiveDesign #A11y #EasyA11yGuide

🌟 WLK47: Walking Programs for Individuals with Disabilities 🌟 I'm thrilled to share some inspiring information about the incredible benefits of walking programs for individuals with disabilities. Walking isn't just a simple activity; it's a pathway to improved physical health, greater mobility, and enhanced overall well-being. Here are some key highlights: 🚶 Inclusive Fitness: Walking programs are designed to cater to the needs of those who can walk independently or with assistive devices. This approach promotes an inclusive way to stay active and healthy. 💪 Health Benefits: Regular walking can significantly enhance physical abilities, balance, strength, and overall health. Programs like "Walk with Ease" from The Arthritis Foundation provide structured plans to help individuals engage in physical activity safely. 🔧 Assistive Devices: Canes, walkers, and orthotic supports play a crucial role in aiding mobility and ensuring safety. These tools are essential for individuals who may struggle with balance or have limited strength. 🌍 Promoting Inclusivity: Walking programs also focus on promoting inclusivity and social participation. Initiatives like "How I Walk" challenge traditional notions of physical activity, empowering individuals with disabilities to set and achieve their fitness goals. Let's celebrate these programs that are making a difference and helping everyone, regardless of their abilities, lead active and healthy lives! 💙 #WalkingForAll #InclusiveFitness #HealthAndWellBeing #DisabilityAwareness #StayActive

#Wheelchair Design: More Than Just Mobility car Wheelchairs are not only devices that help people with mobility impairments move around. They are also tools that empower them to live their lives to the fullest. Wheelchairs enable people with disabilities to engage in various aspects of life, such as work, education, socialization, and recreation. They also foster a sense of belonging and dignity, as they allow people with disabilities to access and participate in their communities. ♂️ Wheelchairs also support the health and well-being of people with disabilities, as they prevent secondary conditions and promote physical activity. ♀️ Watch this video to learn more about how wheelchair design can make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. https://lnkd.in/dvkeFFnG

For too long, the Legacy Wheelchair Industry has convinced society that there can only be two types of wheelchairs, very expensive or very cheap. The goal of the #DIYWheelchairMovement and disability benefit companies like Not A Wheelchair is to disrupt this deeply flawed industry and open the manual wheelchair market to a 3rd type of wheelchair, one that is both functional and affordable for people around the world. Overpriced wheelchairs are not simply an economy of scale issue. They are the direct result of the monopolistic pricing practices (and marketing campaigns, corporate lobbying) of private equity run wheelchair companies such as Permobil, Sunrise Medical, and more. Let's face it, the able-bodied population would not put up with the limited (expensive or poor function) mobility options provided to people with disabilities. So why should we? #WheelchairProvision

This wheelchair design aims to give people with disabilities more freedom Wheelchairs play a crucial role in the lives of individuals with mobility impairments, providing them with the freedom and independence to navigate the world around them. 🌍 For many people, a wheelchair is not just a mobility aid but a lifeline, enabling them to participate in daily activities, work, school, and social interactions. ♿️ Wheelchairs also promote inclusivity by breaking down physical barriers and allowing individuals with disabilities to access public spaces and services. 🤝 Moreover, wheelchairs are essential for maintaining health and well-being, as they enable users to remain active and prevent complications associated with immobility. 💪 Follow AI Echo for more useful content! Credit: TechInsider #healthcare #innovation #robotics #innovation #techforgood

Which types of augmentative and alternative communication devices do teams use on the job? We examine assistive tools that help team members with disabilities perform well at work. https://bit.ly/3KxRAwJ

Accessible transport would mean Damian Weatherald could do more of the things he loves - like going to gigs - without the worry of needing ramps or finding luggage taking up his wheelchair space. What would accessible transport mean you could do? Share your thoughts - and then join the National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) panel to make those thoughts really count, in research that will inform transport policy and design. #AccessibleTransport #ncat_uk #InclusiveTransport #InclusiveTravel #MindTheAccessibilityGap

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐬, 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐬 The Americans with Disabilities Act, also known as “the ADA”, is a federal civil rights law that was passed in 1990, to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday life. However, it has also produced many practical design features that we all encounter and benefit from in our every day lives, such as: 1. 𝗥𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗯 𝗥𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀. These help everyone who uses gadgets with wheels like rolling briefcases, strollers, and wheelchairs. 2. 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀. Detectable warning surfaces are those distinctive surface pattern of domes that you can feel with a cane, a wheelchair or your feet. They alert people with vision impairments of their approach to street crossings and hazardous drop-offs. They are also required on open boarding platforms at train stations to keep people away from the edge of the platform. 3. 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀. The ADA requires that walkways be kept clear of all vertical and horizontal protrusions like wall sconces, handrails, and drinking fountains. No one likes bumping into those. 4. 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀. Audible and visual announcements are required on busses and subways so that people who are blind or have low vision, are deaf or are hard of hearing know when their stops are approaching. So, the next time you run into one of these practical and beneficial design features, you’ll know why they exist and what federal law made them possible.