3What is Global Accessibility Awareness Day?

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) celebrates its 12th year in 2023 and we wanted to share a little bit about it with you, in case you have not heard of it.

The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking, learning about and celebrating digital access and inclusion, and the more than one billion people with disabilities/impairments.

Everyone should have the same positive and successful outcome when undertaking a digital activity or using a digital product. This awareness and commitment to inclusion is the goal of GAAD. Although many may associate the word ‘accessibility’ with technology, the event relates to inclusive services and activities, as well as how technology can enhance our day-to-day living.

Examples of how inclusive design and development can impact lives include:

• Audio description at theatres/ cinemas
• Accessibility settings on electronic devices
• Enlarged ATM screens/audio ATMs at the bank
• Voice passwords for telephone/ mobile banking
• Navilens codes on food/product packaging
• Talking Buses & other accessible features for public transport
• Variety of formats for communications from companies / charities / your bank etc e.g. Audio, Large print & Braille

How can we support you?

  • Our caring and trusted team is here to listen, identify areas of need and work with you to live your life without limits.
  • We can support you to develop new and existing skills, communicate effectively and remain independent, with the help of technology.
  • We can support & enable you to access leisure, social, health and wellbeing activities within your community.
  • We provide appropriate and up to date information, advice, and guidance in formats accessible for you, including our bi-monthly newsletter – available in 5 different formats.

Find out more:

If you would like to find out more about accessibility or support available, please get in touch with our friendly team on: 01243 828555 or email enquiries@4sight.org.uk

Find out more information about Global Accessibility Awareness Day on their website: Home – GAAD (accessibility.day)

I am involved with activities that even as a sighted person, I never thought I would be doing. I am horse riding, tandem cycling, and rambling through our beautiful Sussex countryside.

Our Top Tips for Accessible communications:

  • Make communications available in different formats e.g. Audio & Large Print.
  • Use ALT Text to describe key images on online documents, websites and your Social Media platforms.
  • Use Camel text when using hashtags e.g. #GlobalAccessibiltyAwarenessDay – having the first letter of each world capitalised allows a screen reader to identify it as a new word.
  • Design with contrast in mind and don’t over crowd areas. e.g. use dark colours on light backgrounds.
  • Don’t use images or emojis in place of words and don’t over use them.

For more information about how your communications or business can be more accessible for blind and sight impaired people, please get in touch with us today.

01243 828555 or email enquiries@4sight.org.uk