What is digital accessibility?

Digital accessibility refers to how usable a website or app is for everyone, regardless of their ability. It means equal access to online education, healthcare, employment, e-commerce and social media. Since users have different needs and preferences, there is no single definition of what accessibility means. Disabilities can include visual, auditory, motor and cognitive impairments. By considering all possible types of impairment and implementing accessible features, companies can ensure that individuals with disabilities can use digital platforms without barriers.

Who will digital accessibility impact?

In 2022, Statistics Canada reported that 27 percent of Canadians aged 15 and older have at least one disability. This number represents about eight million Canadians who may struggle to use the internet without better accessibility tools. The internet has become the central location for accessing information, whether completing a form, applying for a job or researching a company. Offering accessible online tools helps a company project inclusivity and reach a larger audience.

The Accessible Canada Act addresses web accessibility compliance in Canada and continues to update the accessibility requirements annually at all levels of government.  

What does digital accessibility look like?

The remote work movement that took shape during the pandemic revealed many things to companies, including limitations to those with disabilities. New technologies are continually being developed to assist those with challenges. Common accessibility tools include:

• automatic captioning and transcripts for audio and visual content 
• document accessibility tools for editing
• closed captioning on video conferencing platforms
• interactive narrator and dictation tools  
• adjustable font size and colour contrast of text across web pages and company resources 
• alternative text for images, GIFs and video 

Digital accessibility as part of a company’s DEIB strategy

Digital accessibility means creating barrier-free online and digital services for Canadians. Including digital accessibility in a company’s DEIB strategy helps all individuals feel valued and accepted. For individuals with diverse needs, accessible content sends a powerful message that everyone’s needs matter and that your organization is committed to accessibility compliance. To help your company improve their digital accessibility, here are a few steps to help you get started:

• Audit your digital content: Review your current digital content and address barriers such as missing captions, inaccessible forms or content that is unreadable by screen readers.
• Train your teams on accessibility: Provide your learning and development (L&D) team with the knowledge they need to design accessible materials. Making accessibility part of the creative process helps ensure all staff are on the same page.
• Update your DEIB strategy: Demonstrate your commitment to creating a fully inclusive environment by making accessibility a core component of your DEIB strategy.

What to consider when updating your digital tools

When updating your digital tools, consider the following scenarios when someone with a disability may require accommodations:

• Accessible virtual events: Learn how to host an accessible virtual meeting such as a training session, conference or presentation to remove common barriers faced by people with disabilities.
• Create accessible documents: Introduce accessible documents and editing tools and provide clear instructions on how to use them.
• Create accessible forms: Research tools used to develop application forms that are accessible to all types of users. 
• Update web content: Find resources and aids to help your company create an accessible website. 
• Design accessible services: Research the types of accessible services available and determine those you can implement immediately and with a long-term strategy.
• Create accessible emails: Contact your email provider and find out what tools are available to create accessible emails and whether your company meets accessibility compliance.

How digital accessibility can attract more candidates

A competitive job market makes traditional recruitment methods seem like they may no longer be enough to attract and hire top talent. Organizations using recruitment strategies that are digitally accessible are able to attract more talented candidates and have a larger pool to choose from. Here are ways that digital accessibility technology can attract more candidates:

Connect to all job seekers

Examine job duties and requirements to determine what is specifically needed for the role. For example, does the candidate need to be able to lift 25 lbs or just be able to move it? Choose language that considers those with disabilities and update job descriptions accordingly. 

Hiring focuses on the applicant’s abilities, so ensure you use inclusive terminology and list the accommodations available. Some accommodations your company may wish to list could include wheelchair access, providing space for a service animal, enabling live captioning on video calls and a modified work schedule.

Use inclusive software platforms

When employers list the software needed to carry out a job’s responsibilities, ensure they are equipped with accessible tools to inform applicants that your organization prioritizes an inclusive workplace. 

Be mindful of the needs of individuals who may have cognitive, mobility, audio, visual, intellectual or emotional impairments and implement those accommodations into the application process. Taking these extra steps shows candidates that your company has prioritized inclusivity.

Ask candidates what they need

When attracting candidates for a position, ask what their access needs are and be willing to accommodate them. For example, ask whether they require closed captioning if an interview is conducted via video call. Being willing to accommodate the candidate’s needs during the application and interview process gives them an indication of what to expect if they are hired.

Create a welcoming space

Share your corporate DEIB policies in the job description to inform candidates of your company culture. Ensure your application process utilizes digital accessibility tools so candidates can determine if these will work for them. By remaining open and welcoming, candidates will feel more comfortable disclosing their needs in an interview.

As corporations look to create a more inclusive working environment for Canadians, making digital accessibility a priority can provide better services to employees, attract a larger talent pool, and allow employers to stay current in barrier-free technology.