Confronting ableism to build a more inclusive web
June 4, 2024
The accessibility (or lack thereof) of web software starts with the assumptions made in the research process. Many web practitioners work on high-powered computing devices, with high-resolution desktop displays, high-precision pointer devices (mouses), and high-speed bandwidth connections. Because we spend much of our professional time in these environments, we often assume that our users are in similar environments. Moreover, we assume that our users interact with their hardware the way that we do; we assume that users experience the world in the way that we do. Though nearly 60% of global web traffic comes from mobile devices, we assume our way into a web where everyone is sat at a desktop with a high-speed broadband connection, using full color vision to precision-click the interfaces in front of them.
Unconscious or ‘hidden’ bias refers to attitudes and patterns of perceptions that are held subconsciously and can be very ingrained. We all have them. Not dissimilar to stereotyping, these automatic associations can lead to assumptions that are not always accurate, and can have a detrimental impact in decision-making.
Ableism is an unconscious bias deeply embedded in our language, and ways of thinking. This piece by Assistiv Labs is an excellent way to sense check our own biases in this area, and chart a path for doing better. We can always do better.