Accessibility and inclusion: You have to be aware to care

Meet Eva, my 16-year-old daughter. I have been working in the technology sector for over 15 years, and until recently, if you’d asked her what I did for a living, she would have told you that I did something in marketing with Microsoft. “A thing called unified communications and some voice stuff.”

These days, she’d still be light on the detail but would also tell you that I am passionate about accessibility and inclusion.  

The importance of accessible and inclusive content

Last year I shared details with Eva about a Microsoft course on accessibility fundamentals I’d completed. Among other things, it covered inclusive content. I told her about simple things she, too, could do to ensure the content she created for school projects was accessible for everyone. She was enlightened by this and inquisitive about the wider impact our efforts can have on assistive technology users.

In her own time, she ordered herself a sign-language book. I had no idea she’d ordered it, despite her using my online account. Clearly, I must pay more attention to these things! I was duly astonished when she introduced herself to me not long after – flawlessly and using only sign language.

Adapting to a hidden disability

I have a hidden disability myself, and Eva often supports me when I need it. What’s interesting about her behaviour is her lack of awareness of the support she provides me. This is something that has never been more apparent than during this pandemic. I have very poor hearing, and I manage noisy environments by lip-reading.

One byproduct of the pandemic, due to the introduction of mandatory face masks, is that this has not been possible. It’s very hard to lip-read when you can’t see someone’s lips!

I was in a coffee shop recently, trying to order a drink. The person at the counter was wearing a mask and standing behind an acrylic screen. With the coffee machines also in full swing, it was difficult to hear the questions coming my way. Eva had already sat down, but when she saw me tilting my good ear towards the screen, she jumped up totally unprompted. Looking at the assistant, she politely said: “My mum can’t hear you. Can I help?”

Awareness and education are paramount

Why is this relevant? Because awareness is the starting point that can prompt us to behave more considerately and adopt more inclusive behaviour.

Eva is particularly aware of my disability and supports me without hesitation. Now, after seeing how the content she creates for her school projects can be more inclusive for a multitude of disabilities, she’s enthusiastic to continue. She wants to support everyone and ensure that all those reading her documents and watching videos can enjoy them equally.

Awareness and education are key in starting your journey to becoming a more inclusive organization. By educating everyone within your organization about the tools and functionality available to create accessible and inclusive content, you can embed these values in your corporate culture.

Understanding needs is vital and – using Eva as an example – when people are exposed to disabilities and learn to understand them, they are more likely to behave with accessibility and inclusion values in mind. This can then flow naturally into how they plan and deliver effortless experiences for everyone.

Eva had already been exposed to my day-to-day disability struggles, but the Microsoft course raised her awareness of the efforts people can make to support people with all types of assistive needs.

The tools and features are there within Teams

During the pandemic, many organizations rolled out Microsoft Teams as quickly as they could. Whether you’re using Teams for calling, meetings or live events, the tools are there to support users with a range of accessible and inclusive features. These are especially important for those who work remotely but struggle working outside an office environment.

Microsoft Teams was vital in enabling business continuity at the start of the crisis. It now has a fundamental part to play as organizations plan their return to the office while supporting hybrid work.

Consider the simple things you can do to educate users in your organization. The vast array of features within Teams and the wider Office 365 applications can make a huge difference.

It also reflects on those you do with business with, including your clients and suppliers. As people see and appreciate your organization’s approach to accessibility and inclusion, you’ll open their eyes to all the positive outcomes and opportunities. With greater awareness, we can achieve greater positive change.

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