When a Group Promoting Accessibility Faces Unexpected Issues
In the realm of virtual events, unexpected challenges can arise, especially when a non-accessibility-focused organization brings in a speaker to talk about accessibility. Recently, I attended a webinar under these circumstances, and it shed light on some surprising hurdles faced by participants seeking an inclusive digital experience.
As someone with specific accessibility needs, I encountered difficulties during the webinar, particularly with the absence of pre-activated features like captions. This situation prompts us to explore how organizations, not traditionally associated with accessibility, handle the practicalities of hosting events that aim to discuss and promote inclusivity.
The unexpected challenges deepen when considering that the organization, despite its primary focus not being on accessibility, decided to feature a speaker on the topic. This experience serves as a reminder that, even with good intentions, incorporating accessibility principles into virtual events can be more complex than anticipated.
The call for essential features like captions goes beyond personal preferences; it encourages a broader conversation about the seamless integration of accessibility tools into all virtual events. The challenges faced during the webinar highlight the importance of aligning the goals of promoting inclusivity with practical implementation, regardless of the organization’s primary focus.
Moreover, this experience underscores the need for accessibility organizations to provide practical resources, such as checklists, for entities hosting webinars. A checklist can serve as a guide, ensuring that essential accessibility features are activated, and it emphasizes that turning captions on during the webinar and not beforehand does not guarantee universal access.
As we navigate this unexpected intersection of non-accessibility-focused organizations and discussions on accessibility, it prompts an exploration of how such entities can better support the goals of their guest speakers and the overall inclusivity of their virtual events.
In light of these revelations, I invite you to reach out to me about my Inclusive Communication training. This training will equip you with practical strategies to seamlessly integrate accessibility into your virtual events, ensuring that everyone can participate fully. Let’s transform challenges into opportunities for growth and create a more inclusive online environment together. Remember, never assume accessibility; proactively provide access for all.
