Posts by
Cheryl Swan

Today, there are almost 11 million people aged 65 and over, that’s 19% of the total population and this figure is set to rapidly increase over the next few years. Though many older people are confident in using digital technology, there may be others that need a helping hand in accessing the vital information and services that the internet can offer. 

With the internet being an indispensable resource, many people turn to online tools, resources and support when they are concerned about their memory or to seek advice with their diagnosis. This, along with continuing to use everyday services that they are familiar with. So, it is crucial that digital platforms are simplistic to navigate and easy to understand.

Often, when people hear the term ‘digital accessibility’, they think of it purely as a web developer’s responsibility. An assumption that is very wrong. Even if a platform is built to be accessible, it’s the upkeep of online content, whether through blogs, news announcements, digital documents, or general updates, that ensures a platform remains accessible.

The design of digital platforms for people who are colour blind is often overlooked, even though 4.5% of the population need adjustments to be able to interact with online content. This blog looks into ways to use inclusive colours to enable digital accessibility.

You’ve probably heard the terminology alternative text used when looking into digital accessibility, but do you know the best inclusive practices on how to use and write it? If not, then this blog will talk you through all you need to create accessible image descriptions and how to add alt text to your digital content.

As part of the Digital Accessibility Matters campaign, we caught up with Shaw Trust Accessibility Services Screen Reader Assessor Alan, who shares what digital accessibility means to him.