When it comes to neurotypical and neurodivergent people for example there is often an empathy gap and lack of understanding.
So co-production is important, sharing insights from one another.
Co-production is a means in which those who typically deliver services work alongside ‘service-users’, creating reciprocal relationships to achieve a collective outcome.
Those using or experiencing a service or product are in the best place to design it.
For example, someone autistic is best place to co-produce a service or product for someone who is autistic.
Here are some accessibility suggestions from Jennifer Marsden:
- Use plain language
- Use left to right alignment
- Provide #alttext
- Use headings to introduce content
- Offer trigger warnings
- Use lists
- Keep it brief
- Give links to detailed info
- Check for seizure triggers
- Provide captions
- Make transcripts available
- Use large text wherever possible
- Don’t rely on colour alone to convey information
- Use a simple, Tips to make sure any images or videos you share are accessible:
Twitter business shared these accessibility tips too:
- Always add a clear and concise alt text to your image shares — aim for alt text between 150-250 characters
- Use closed captions in your videos for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Check graphics or images in an accessibility tool
- Limit your use of emojis or use words alongside them, so your message is clear even if the emoji can’t be viewed
We also recommend using ‘CamelCase’ and capitalizing the first letter of every word within your hashtags. This makes them easier to read and accessible for people using voice assistive technologies for hearing. For more actionable tips check out their Help Centre article on how to make images accessible.
If you don’t know where to begin or need some more inspiration, start to follow and use inclusive hashtags. Below is a list to get you started.
- #Representation
- #RepresentationMatters
- #AbleismAndMe
- #Accessibility
- #DisabilityTooWhite
- #AutisticBlackPride
- #DisabledAndCute
- #ThingsDisabledPeopleKnow
- #A11Y
- #DisabledAndAble
- #UntilWeAllBelong
- #DisabilityInTech
- #DisabilityPride
- #GamingForEveryone
- #AblesAreWeird
- #AutisticJoy
All it takes is one step at a time and is to be more aware. How are we going to start taking action today?
By Sophie Mei Lan @SophieMeiLan
SophieMeiLan.co.uk
#PerfectlyImperfect
