What do you do if your new technology solutions are not inclusive and accessible?
When you implement new technology solutions in public administration, it's crucial to ensure they are inclusive and accessible to all. If you find that your technology excludes certain groups, it's not just a setback—it's a call to action. You must reassess your approach and make necessary adjustments. The goal is to create an environment where everyone, regardless of ability or background, has equal access to the services and information provided by your organization. This article will guide you through the steps to take when your technology solutions fall short in inclusivity and accessibility.
To address the lack of inclusivity and accessibility in your new tech solutions, start by conducting a thorough assessment. Identify which groups are being excluded or disadvantaged by the current technology. This might include people with disabilities, the elderly, or those with limited digital literacy. Understand their specific needs and the barriers they face. Engaging with community organizations and advocacy groups can provide valuable insights into the real-world impact of your technology's shortcomings.
-
- Evaluate the extent of exclusion caused by the inaccessible technology. - Measure the impact on users' ability to access and benefit from the technology. - Consider the broader societal implications, such as reinforcing inequalities. - Assess the reputational and financial consequences for the organization. - Analyze feedback and complaints from users regarding accessibility issues. - Quantify the potential market expansion by making the technology more inclusive. - Gauge employee morale and engagement related to the organization's commitment to inclusivity. - Compare the accessibility of the technology with competitors' offerings. - Determine the long-term consequences of not addressing accessibility issues.
-
A acessibilidade e a inclusão são condição básica para garantir que todos os cidadãos tenham acesso igualitário àquilo que se oferece. É preciso avaliar onde estão as falhas, a começar pela necessidade de se promover a igualdade, passando pela facilitação da autonomia, melhoria da eficiência e cumprimento das normas legais. Temos visto avanços no Brasil, como também há oportunidades de melhoria. Nosso país tem um arcabouço legal robusto que apoia a acessibilidade, como a Lei Brasileira de Inclusão, de 2015, que oferece uma base sólida para a defesa dos direitos de pessoas com deficiência, mas ainda existem inconsistências em sua implementação. Os Municípios deveriam incorporar esses aspectos de uma forma mais veloz, por exemplo.
Once you've identified the inclusivity gaps, seek guidance from experts in accessibility and inclusive design. These professionals can help you understand the legal requirements, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and international standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). They'll provide you with best practices for making your technology solutions more accessible to everyone, such as using screen readers for the visually impaired or simplifying user interfaces for better usability.
-
- Seek guidance from accessibility consultants or firms specializing in inclusive design. - Collaborate with disability advocacy groups and organizations. - Consult with individuals who have expertise in accessibility standards and regulations. - Engage academic researchers or experts in human-computer interaction. - Connect with professionals who have experience in accessible technology development. - Attend conferences or workshops focused on accessibility and inclusivity. - Utilize online forums or communities dedicated to accessibility discussions. - Engage with government agencies or organizations responsible for setting accessibility guidelines.
-
Há mais de uma década tive a oportunidade de participar de um processo de inclusão de pessoas com deficiência para atender dispositivos legais no processo de contratação para a empresa em que trabalhava. O maior acerto que tivemos foi chamar especialistas no assunto, que não só nos trouxeram uma fotografia da realidade como nos ajudaram a saber comunicar-nos melhor e preparar-nos melhor para incorporar profissionais deficientes em nossa organização. Se não sabe por onde começar, consulte quem sabe, não apenas no aspecto técnico da questão social, como na tecnologia, evidentemente.
Incorporating feedback from actual users is essential. Organize focus groups or surveys to gather input from those directly affected by the accessibility issues. This firsthand information will highlight specific problems and potential solutions that may not be evident to developers or administrators. Listening to users' experiences and suggestions ensures that the improvements you make are both practical and impactful.
Armed with expert advice and user feedback, it's time to implement changes to your technology solutions. This may involve redesigning interfaces, adding assistive technologies, or creating alternative formats for information dissemination. Ensure that your development team prioritizes these updates and understands their importance. It's also vital to establish a timeline for these changes to be made and to communicate this timeline to all stakeholders.
-
As mudanças não são fáceis de ser implementadas, mas exigem acima de tudo a vontade e a obsessão para que sejam colocadas em prática. É preciso que exista crença acima da necessidade de atendimento legal. É preciso que exista ambição de fazer uma contribuição social de importância. Por trás desse trabalho, a liderança de alguém que seja o agente principal de uma transformação positiva.
Training your staff on the importance of inclusivity and how to use the updated technology is crucial. They need to be aware of the challenges faced by different user groups and how the new features or tools can assist them. A well-informed staff can better support users and advocate for ongoing improvements in accessibility. Additionally, training should be an ongoing process, as accessibility standards and technologies continue to evolve.
Finally, it's important to monitor the effectiveness of the changes you've made. Set up mechanisms to regularly check if the new solutions are meeting the needs of all users. This could involve periodic user surveys, usability testing, or analytics to track engagement levels. Monitoring progress allows you to make continuous improvements and ensures that your technology remains inclusive and accessible over time.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Business AnalysisHow can you ensure the accessibility of a business analytics project for people with disabilities?
-
User ResearchHow do you research user accessibility?
-
IT OperationsHow can you ensure accessibility for users with disabilities in business systems?
-
Team LeadershipWhat are some ways to ensure your team is accessible to people with disabilities?