Creating a Culture of Inclusion
Understanding Disability Challenges
Typical Disability Scams
Accessibility AI Overlays claim to improve the accessibility of a website. They apply a script to the page which scans the code and automatically attempts to modify the presentation of the web page. Like; change the page contrast, enlarge the size of the page's text, or perform other changes to the page that are intended to improve the experience for users with disabilities.
However, adding an overlay to your site may violate preference for privacy and may create risk of noncompliance. Also, detecting when assistive technology is being used, exposes the fact that the person using the device has a disability.
Using these accessibility overlays creates a false illusion of equal access, and do not close the gaps within the digital divide.
An overlay cannot fix accessibility issues baked in HTML. It cannot add meaningful alternative text to images or add captions to videos. It cannot fix your forms, your buttons, or your links.
Accessibility Overlay Fact Sheet
Vimeo: What Are Accessibility Overlays?
However, adding an overlay to your site may violate preference for privacy and may create risk of noncompliance. Also, detecting when assistive technology is being used, exposes the fact that the person using the device has a disability.
Using these accessibility overlays creates a false illusion of equal access, and do not close the gaps within the digital divide.
An overlay cannot fix accessibility issues baked in HTML. It cannot add meaningful alternative text to images or add captions to videos. It cannot fix your forms, your buttons, or your links.
Accessibility Overlay Fact Sheet
Vimeo: What Are Accessibility Overlays?
Social networking sites can provide cybercriminals with various opportunities, including gathering of user data and login credentials to enable fraud, and directing of users toward online locations that may install malware onto their devices.
The techniques employed by such cybercriminals can include clickbait (text or video), advertisement of nonexistent but potentially desirable products, and hoax competitions/giveaways.
The techniques employed by such cybercriminals can include clickbait (text or video), advertisement of nonexistent but potentially desirable products, and hoax competitions/giveaways.
In tech support scams, fraudsters pose as customer or tech support representatives from reputable well-known tech companies. They may call, email, or text their targets and offer to resolve such issues as a compromised email or bank account, a computer virus, or a software license renewal. Once they convince victims that their financial accounts have been compromised and their funds need to be moved, they gain control over the victims’ computers and ultimately their finances.
Disabled individuals are at an increased risk for being targeted by scammers because they often rely on government assistance programs. This makes them a prime target for those looking to illegally obtain funds from the government or personal accounts through fraudulent means.
Fraudulent individuals often pose as government representatives to scam unsuspecting people on disability. In such cases, these scammers will call or email a person and ask for their personal information – usually so that they can update records, prevent them from losing benefits, or even help them access more benefits. It is then easy to lose vigilance when someone very kind and interested in the problem calls wanting to help.
Scammers are trying to get personal information from people by pretending to help with applications for disability benefits and claims.
Fraudulent individuals often pose as government representatives to scam unsuspecting people on disability. In such cases, these scammers will call or email a person and ask for their personal information – usually so that they can update records, prevent them from losing benefits, or even help them access more benefits. It is then easy to lose vigilance when someone very kind and interested in the problem calls wanting to help.
Scammers are trying to get personal information from people by pretending to help with applications for disability benefits and claims.
Fraudsters often target people with disabilities, offering them promising opportunities such as the chance to work from home and make extra income. They tell their victims to apply for such a business or job by paying an upfront fee for materials and training, but this turns out to be nothing more than a scam.
It is a sad yet familiar story for disabled persons, they receive calls informing them that they have won something in the lottery, only to be asked for personal information in return. What the caller fails to mention is that no reward will ever arrive. If this happens, they will ask for payment via wire transfer to cover taxes or administration fees before the prize can be released.
Increasingly, fraudsters pretend to be part of an organization or church and requesting money for a fraudulent cause.
Assistive Technologies
Assistive technology is designed to address the specific needs of people with disabilities, aiming to enhance their accessibility and independence.These technologies aim to enhance the independence, accessibility, and quality of life for people with various disabilities.
Screen readers are software programs that convert text displayed on a computer screen into synthesized speech or Braille output. They help individuals with visual impairments access digital content, including websites and documents.
Braille displays are tactile devices that convert digital text into Braille characters, enabling blind individuals to read and interact with digital content.
Braille embosser devices create tactile documents with raised Braille characters on thick paper, making it possible for blind individuals to produce Braille materials independently.
Eye-tracking technology enables people with severe mobility impairments to control computers and devices by tracking their eye movements.
Hearing devices assist individuals with hearing impairments by amplifying sounds or directly stimulating the auditory nerve to improve hearing.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices are communication aids that help people with speech or language disorders communicate. They can include speech-generating devices, picture-based communication boards, or software apps.
Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters provide mobility and independence to individuals with mobility impairments, allowing them to move around indoors and outdoors.
Adaptive Technologies
Adaptive technologies refer to tools, devices, software, or equipment that has been adapted to assist individuals with disabilities in performing tasks that might otherwise be challenging or impossible for them.Closed Captioning and Subtitle technologies provide textual representations of spoken dialogue and other audio information in videos and TV programs, making them accessible to people with hearing impairments.
Text-to-speech (TTS) software reads aloud digital text, making written content accessible to individuals with visual or reading disabilities.
Voice recognition or speech-to-text software allows individuals with mobility impairments or limited dexterity to control their computers, write documents, and send messages by speaking instead of typing.
Adaptive keyboards and mouse devices are specialized input devices are designed with features such as larger keys, keyguards, or ergonomic designs to accommodate individuals with motor impairments or limited hand dexterity.
Screen magnifiers enlarge on-screen content, making it easier for individuals with low vision to read text and view graphical elements.
Screen filter applications reduce screen glare, adjust color contrast, or apply color filters to accommodate individuals with visual sensitivities or specific visual conditions.
Various smart home devices, like voice-controlled assistants (e.g., Amazon Echo or Google Home), can help individuals with disabilities manage their homes more independently.
Adaptive Strategies
An adaptive Strategy refers to a flexible approach to problem solving in response to changing environmental conditions and unforeseen challenges.Any technology or tool that adapts or adjusts to meet the needs of a specific user or situation. This can include modifications or enhancements that benefit not only individuals with disabilities but also anyone seeking a personalized or customized experience.
Adaptive technology can be applied to various contexts beyond disability-related adaptations. For example, adaptive technology can include features like responsive web design that adjusts a website's layout based on the user's device or preferences.
It often focuses on tailoring technology to suit an individual's preferences or requirements, even if they do not have a specific disability.
mainstream technologies
Mainstream technology refers to technology products, devices, or solutions that are widely accepted, used, and integrated into everyday life by the general population.These technologies are not specialized or niche; instead, they are typically characterized by their broad appeal and adoption across various demographic groups and industries.
Examples of mainstream technologies include smartphones, personal computers, tablets, social media platforms, email services, web browsers, and widely used software applications like Microsoft Office.
Mainstream technologies are commonly adopted by a large portion of the population. They are not limited to specific user groups or specialized applications.
Mainstream technologies are readily available and accessible to consumers, businesses, and organizations. They are often affordable and easy to acquire.
Mainstream technologies are designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. They require minimal training or expertise to operate effectively.
They are typically compatible with other mainstream technologies and standards, making it easy to integrate them into existing systems or networks.
Mainstream technologies are versatile and have a wide range of applications. They can be used in various contexts, from personal use to professional settings.
Manufacturers and developers of mainstream technologies invest in ongoing research and development to improve their products, add new features, and stay competitive in the market.
Mainstream technology markets are often highly competitive, with multiple companies and brands offering similar products or solutions.
Mainstream technologies are often designed with consumer needs and preferences in mind, aiming to appeal to a broad audience.