Making your activism accessible: Difference between revisions
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<p><span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >'''"Universal accessibility''' is the character of a product, process, service, information or environment which, with a view to fairness and an inclusive approach, allows anyone to carry out activities independently and to obtain equivalent results." - Groupe DÉFI Accessibilité (GDA) <ref> Groupe DEFI Accessibilite (GDA) - Research report for associations in Montreal - Universal Accessibility and contributing designs (version 5.3), Langevin, Rocque, Chalghoumi & Ghorayeb, University of Montreal</ref> & [https://exaequo.net/ Ex Aequo]" </span></p> | <p><span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;">'''"Universal accessibility''' is the character of a product, process, service, information or environment which, with a view to fairness and an inclusive approach, allows anyone to carry out activities independently and to obtain equivalent results." - Groupe DÉFI Accessibilité (GDA) <ref> Groupe DEFI Accessibilite (GDA) - Research report for associations in Montreal - Universal Accessibility and contributing designs (version 5.3), Langevin, Rocque, Chalghoumi & Ghorayeb, University of Montreal</ref> & [https://exaequo.net/ Ex Aequo]" </span></p> | ||
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<p><span style="background-color: rgb(209, 241, 238);">'''Choice of Location'''</span></p> | <p><span style="background-color: rgb(209, 241, 238);">'''Choice of Location'''</span></p> | ||
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| style="height: 393px; width: 770.203px;" | | | style="height: 393px; width: 770.203px;" | <p><span style="">[https://collectifau.ca/ Universal Accessibility Collective ] suggests that in a universally accessible place, </span><span>a person in a </span><span>wheelchair </span><span>can move around in all the rooms and access a toilet</span><span style="">. <ref> https://collectifau.ca/</ref> </span><br></p> | ||
*<span style="">Doors must be 800mm minimum</span><br> | *<span style="">Doors must be 800mm minimum</span><br> | ||
*<span style="">The dimensions of a toilet cubicle must be 1500 x 1500mm minimum</span><br> | *<span style="">The dimensions of a toilet cubicle must be 1500 x 1500mm minimum</span><br> | ||
* | *All paths that the person must take must be obstacle-free and must have a clear width of at least <span>920 mm</span><span>.</span> | ||
*<span style="">Check if the place is not under construction or renovation, which could make the space temporarily inaccessible.</span> | *<span style="">Check if the place is not under construction or renovation, which could make the space temporarily inaccessible.</span> | ||
* <p><span>The entrance must be a single level or equipped with an access ramp and must be at </span><span>least 800 mm </span><span>wide.</span></p> | * <p><span>The entrance must be a single level or equipped with an access ramp and must be at </span><span>least 800 mm </span><span>wide.</span></p> | ||
*<span style=""><span style="">See[https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/access-suggestions-for-a-public-event Sins Invalid] for more on accessible infrastructure</span></span> | *<span style=""><span style="">See [https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/access-suggestions-for-a-public-event Sins Invalid] for more on accessible infrastructure</span></span> | ||
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< | <p>Some of the further suggests [https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/access-suggestions-for-a-public-event Sins Invalid ] offers based on your choice of location include <ref> https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/access-suggestions-for-a-public-event</ref> : </p> | ||
<p>Some of the further suggests [https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/access-suggestions-for-a-public-event Sins Invalid ] offers based on your choice of location include <ref> | |||
*<span><span>Being upfront about barriers. Have an accessibility coordinator assigned at the event and livestream if possible.</span></span> | *<span><span>Being upfront about barriers. Have an accessibility coordinator assigned at the event and livestream if possible.</span></span> | ||
*Fluorescent lighting can make spaces inaccessible some. Ask for consent for flash photography. | *Fluorescent lighting can make spaces inaccessible some. Ask for consent for flash photography. | ||
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<p><span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;">Meeting Attendees Needs</span>'''</span></p> | <p><span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;">Meeting Attendees Needs</span>'''</span></p> | ||
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| | | style="width: 1025px;" | <p><span>[https://collectifau.ca/ Universal Accessibility Collective ] suggests...</span></p> | ||
<li>Provide babysitting services if possible.</li><li>In buses, provide space for children's pushchairs.</li> | |||
<li><span>Plan meals that respect the dietary restrictions of the participants.</span></li> | |||
*If food is on sale, provide free or low-cost options. | |||
* | *Ensure you have accessibility helpers for those in need as requests arise. | ||
* | [https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/access-suggestions-for-a-public-event Sins Invalid ] offers further suggestions which include... | ||
*Being transparent about the schedule for the event. | *Being transparent about the schedule for the event. | ||
*Are speakers using plain language that most people will know? Are interpreters available for the event for community members who have a language other than English? | *Are speakers using plain language that most people will know? | ||
* | *Are interpreters available for the event for community members who have a language other than English? | ||
*If food is part of the gathering, share ingredient lists.<br> | |||
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<p><span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;">Good Practices</span>'''</span></p> | <p><span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;">Good Practices</span>'''</span></p> | ||
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<p>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;"></span>'''</p> | <p>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;"></span>'''</p> | ||
<p>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;"></span>'''</p> | <p>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;"></span>'''</p> | ||
<span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >Creating a Safe Space</span>'''</span> | |||
<span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;">Creating a Safe Space</span>'''</span> | |||
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<span style="">According to [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bt6SVDG3DhqfCs0TDihFYdWK5Fc3TmsAVG4dqIZTueA/edit UK Mutual Aid], there are things groups can do to ensure that people feel comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of racism <ref> | <span style="">According to [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bt6SVDG3DhqfCs0TDihFYdWK5Fc3TmsAVG4dqIZTueA/edit UK Mutual Aid], there are things groups can do to ensure that people feel comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of racism <ref> https://www.mutual-aid.co.uk/</ref> :</span> | ||
*<span style="">Publicize the organization's anti-</span><span style="">racism position </span><span style="">and how the organization will deal with a situation of racism.</span> | *<span style="">Publicize the organization's anti-</span><span style="">racism position </span><span style="">and how the organization will deal with a situation of racism.</span> | ||
*<span style="">Have </span><span style="">staff available that are Black, Indigenous and Persons of colour in case of a person's concerns, insecurity or distress.</span> | *<span style="">Have </span><span style="">staff available that are Black, Indigenous and Persons of colour in case of a person's concerns, insecurity or distress.</span> | ||
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<span style="">To ensure people feel comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of misogyny, sexism and transphobia<ref> | <span style="">To ensure people feel comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of misogyny, sexism and transphobia <ref>https://www.mutual-aid.co.uk/</ref> :</span> | ||
*<span style="">Have </span><span style="">staff with different gender identities a</span><span style="">vailable in case of a person's concerns, insecurity or distress.</span> | *<span style="">Have </span><span style="">staff with different gender identities a</span><span style="">vailable in case of a person's concerns, insecurity or distress.</span> | ||
*<span style="">Ask people who participate to write or say </span><span style="">pronoun </span><span style="">(s).</span> | *<span style="">Ask people who participate to write or say </span><span style="">pronoun </span><span style="">(s).</span> | ||
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<p><span style="">To ensure people feel comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of poverty or being low-income | <p><span style="">To ensure people feel comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of poverty or being low-income <ref>https://www.mutual-aid.co.uk/</ref> :</span></p> | ||
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<p><span style="">IMPORTANT: Take the necessary precautions according to the space in order to avoid accidents and prevent unfortunate situations in the event of an emergency.</span></p> | <p><span style="">IMPORTANT: Take the necessary precautions according to the space in order to avoid accidents and prevent unfortunate situations in the event of an emergency.</span></p> | ||
<p>''<span style="">Examples: remember to cover electrical wires, identify or cover slippery surfaces, ensure that outdoor spaces are well lit and that the identified emergency exits are functional.</span>''</p> | <p>''<span style="">Examples: remember to cover electrical wires, identify or cover slippery surfaces, ensure that outdoor spaces are well lit and that the identified emergency exits are functional.</span>''</p> | ||
<p>''<span style=""></span>''</p> | |||
''<span style=""></span>'' | ''<span style=""></span>'' | ||
== Accessibility in Communications == | == Accessibility in Communications == | ||
<p><span style="">There are many things to consider when it comes to accessible communication, from formatting to the language used.</span | <p><span style="">There are many things to consider when it comes to accessible communication, from formatting to the language used. </span><span style="">Accessible communication is ''extremely'' important. According to [https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2014001/article/14094-eng.htm statistics from 2012], nearly half, about 49%, of people in what's colonially called Canada do not have sufficient literacy skills, and 55% do not have sufficient numeracy proficiency. Thus, it is important to ensure our written material is easy to read, easy to understand, easy to find the information you need and the information is easy to use the first time you read it.</span></p> | ||
<p><span></span></p> | |||
<p> | <p><span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >General Guidelines for Accessible Written materials outlined by plainlanguage.gov </span>''' <ref> https://www.plainlanguage.gov/guidelines/</ref> </span></p> | ||
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<span style=""><span>1. '''W'''</span>'''rite for your audience'''. Use language your audience understands. If you are targeting the general public, a rule of thumb is to aim for an 8th grade reading level or lower. Check out [https://hemingwayapp.com/ the following resource] which can be used to reduce the reading level of your writing.</span> | |||
<span style="">2. Put the most important information at the beginning, bolded, and include background information (when necessary) toward the end.</span> | |||
<span style="">3. Limit paragraphs/written sections to''' 3-8 lines''', 5 being a happy medium.</span> | |||
<span style="">4. Use''' as few words as possible''' to get your point across! (e.g. a number of vs 'some', in order to vs 'to'.). Remove 'filler' words such as descriptive words that do not add to your main idea.</span> | |||
<span style="">5. Format information in '''lists, tables etc.''' to break up written text and add variety that is more visually appealing. Add headings if they'll help break information up.</span> | |||
<span style="">6. Add '''blank space'''! This draws the eyes better to key written ideas. Especially around important ideas and to separate sections.</span> | |||
<span style="">7. '''Avoid jargon''', abbreviations and technical terms. Keep your language as simple as possible (e.g. disseminate vs 'send', in accordance with vs 'by'). See more examples of [https://www.plainlanguage.gov/guidelines/words/use-simple-words-phrases/ simplifying your language here.]</span> | |||
<span style="">8. '''Bold important ideas'''!</span> | |||
<span style="">9. </span>Illustrate text with''' images''' when possible. | |||
10. Ensure your language is '''gender-neutral.''' | |||
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<span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" ></span>'''</span> | |||
< | <span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >Writing Image Descriptions <ref> https://antimonarchy.tumblr.com/post/635980711208386560/how-to-create-image-descriptions</ref> </span>'''</span> | ||
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| | | <p>Most important elements to describe</p> | ||
*The people and animals in an image | |||
* | *The background or setting of an image | ||
* | *Elements that relate to the context specifically, so if it was an image of a congested highway on a news website, the description would mention the packed cars | ||
* | *The colors of an image (don’t overdo it however, a simple ‘light blue’ will do) | ||
*Context for an image. | |||
<p>Basic process for writing a description</p> | |||
*I first say what the content is, such as a photo, educational graphic etc. I then use what is called Object-Action-Context for the most part, For example, [Image ID: A photo of a person standing in a crowd waving to someone out of view /.End ID] While obviously I would usually provide more information than that, Person = object, standing + waving to someone out of view = action, and ‘in a crowd’ = context. | |||
*I describe the clothing that might be worn and the position that people in an image might be in, such as leaning against one another on a couch, or standing with their fingers intertwined | |||
*If the background is a simple colour, I usually include it in the first sentence of the description. However if it is more complicated, such as a river winding through a dense forest, I include that at the end of the description after describing the important elements. | |||
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<p><br><span> | <p><br><span>'''<span style="background-color: #d1f1ee;" >Meeting Disability and Accessibility Guidelines </span>''' <ref>https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/advice/employers/creating-a-dyslexia-friendly-workplace/dyslexia-friendly-style-guide</ref> <ref>https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/</ref></span><br></p> | ||
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*<span style="">Ensure that the options displayed with the mouse can also be displayed (elsewhere if necessary) using only a keyboard. | *'''Use sans serif fonts''', such as Arial and Comic Sans, as letters can appear less crowded. Alternatives include Verdana, Tahoma, Century Gothic, Trebuchet, Calibri, Open Sans.<br> | ||
*<span style="">Font size should be at least '''12-14 point'''.</span> | |||
*<span style="">'''Line spacing of 1.5''' is preferable.</span> | |||
*<span style="">Suggest bolding over underlining or italics.</span><br> | |||
*<span style="">Choose '''contrasting colours.''' You can review your chosen colours to check if they '''meet colour blind requirements '''[https://app.contrast-finder.org/ using this resource.] Try not to use colours that are too bright as these can also be hard on the eyes and make reading difficult.</span><br> | |||
*<span>Use '''single colour backgrounds. '''</span><span style="">Pale or pastel backgrounds rather than stark white can be easier to read.</span> | |||
*<span style="">Use '''left alignment''' for text.</span><br> | |||
*<span style="">Offer '''subtitles and a text transcript''' for video communication.</span> | |||
*When a document is published online, make an '''HTML version''' available (the only universal format currently) | |||
*It is possible to test accessibility for people with visual impairments with '''screen readers '''such as NVDA, JAWS, Window-Eye and Voice over. | |||
* | |||
<p><span>Tips for maximizing accessibility according to the '''specific type of online document '''are available [https://labo.raamm.org/formation/les-documents-electroniques/ using this resource.]</span></p> | |||
*<span>Use the [https://wave.webaim.org/ WAVE] tool to''' test the accessibility of a website.''' </span><span>Ensure that the options displayed with the mouse can also be displayed (elsewhere if necessary) using only a keyboard.</span> | |||
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Revision as of 16:01, 24 June 2022
"Universal accessibility is the character of a product, process, service, information or environment which, with a view to fairness and an inclusive approach, allows anyone to carry out activities independently and to obtain equivalent results." - Groupe DÉFI Accessibilité (GDA) [1] & Ex Aequo"
Ex Aequo distinguishes accessibility from adaptation:
- Adaptation would consist of changes made in order to accommodate people in relation to “an environment, a communication, a program, or an already existing service ”.
- We adapt when we build a subway with only stairs, then add elevators several years later.
- We make it universally accessible when we provide access ramps to the buses.
Accessibility in places
Choice of Location
Universal Accessibility Collective suggests that in a universally accessible place, a person in a wheelchair can move around in all the rooms and access a toilet. [2]
Some of the further suggests Sins Invalid offers based on your choice of location include [3] :
|
Meeting Attendees Needs
Universal Accessibility Collective suggests...
|
Good Practices
Universal Accessibility Collective suggests:
|
Creating a Safe Space
According to UK Mutual Aid, there are things groups can do to ensure that people feel comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of racism [4] :
|
To ensure people feel comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of misogyny, sexism and transphobia [5] :
|
To ensure people feel comfortable coming to an event and expressing their concerns in the context of poverty or being low-income [6] :
|
IMPORTANT: Take the necessary precautions according to the space in order to avoid accidents and prevent unfortunate situations in the event of an emergency.
Examples: remember to cover electrical wires, identify or cover slippery surfaces, ensure that outdoor spaces are well lit and that the identified emergency exits are functional.
Accessibility in Communications
There are many things to consider when it comes to accessible communication, from formatting to the language used. Accessible communication is extremely important. According to statistics from 2012, nearly half, about 49%, of people in what's colonially called Canada do not have sufficient literacy skills, and 55% do not have sufficient numeracy proficiency. Thus, it is important to ensure our written material is easy to read, easy to understand, easy to find the information you need and the information is easy to use the first time you read it.
General Guidelines for Accessible Written materials outlined by plainlanguage.gov [7]
1. Write for your audience. Use language your audience understands. If you are targeting the general public, a rule of thumb is to aim for an 8th grade reading level or lower. Check out the following resource which can be used to reduce the reading level of your writing.
2. Put the most important information at the beginning, bolded, and include background information (when necessary) toward the end.
3. Limit paragraphs/written sections to 3-8 lines, 5 being a happy medium.
4. Use as few words as possible to get your point across! (e.g. a number of vs 'some', in order to vs 'to'.). Remove 'filler' words such as descriptive words that do not add to your main idea.
5. Format information in lists, tables etc. to break up written text and add variety that is more visually appealing. Add headings if they'll help break information up.
6. Add blank space! This draws the eyes better to key written ideas. Especially around important ideas and to separate sections.
7. Avoid jargon, abbreviations and technical terms. Keep your language as simple as possible (e.g. disseminate vs 'send', in accordance with vs 'by'). See more examples of simplifying your language here.
8. Bold important ideas!
9. Illustrate text with images when possible.
10. Ensure your language is gender-neutral. |
Writing Image Descriptions [8]
Most important elements to describe
Basic process for writing a description
|
Meeting Disability and Accessibility Guidelines [9] [10]
Tips for maximizing accessibility according to the specific type of online document are available using this resource.
|
- ↑ Groupe DEFI Accessibilite (GDA) - Research report for associations in Montreal - Universal Accessibility and contributing designs (version 5.3), Langevin, Rocque, Chalghoumi & Ghorayeb, University of Montreal
- ↑ https://collectifau.ca/
- ↑ https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/access-suggestions-for-a-public-event
- ↑ https://www.mutual-aid.co.uk/
- ↑ https://www.mutual-aid.co.uk/
- ↑ https://www.mutual-aid.co.uk/
- ↑ https://www.plainlanguage.gov/guidelines/
- ↑ https://antimonarchy.tumblr.com/post/635980711208386560/how-to-create-image-descriptions
- ↑ https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/advice/employers/creating-a-dyslexia-friendly-workplace/dyslexia-friendly-style-guide
- ↑ https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/