What Does Accessibility Mean to Me?

Last week I asked my twitter followers for some ideas for my next blog post. One of the really good suggestions asked me to explain what accessibility means to me. I think that this is a very valid question, since that word can mean different things to different people. To explore this question I will start with the dictionary definition, and than talk about what accessibility means to me as a legally blind person.

Accessibility: easy to approach, speak to, reach, or use; obtainable, attainable.

What this dictionary definition says to me, is that accessibility means getting or doing something easily. This is a start, but I think it goes even further, especially for those of us with disabilities. Here is what accessibility means to me. .

Accessibility according to Alena's Dictionary: independence, ability to connect, ability to learn new things, a chance for normalcy, and the ability to achieve common goals.

Thanks to accessible devices and the laws that require full access to all, I have had the chance to enjoy doing the same things my peers do. When companies make their products and services accessible, they allow everyone to enjoy them regardless of disability.

Some good examples of what accessibility has afforded me include: being able to be successful in college thanks to screen reading technology and audio books, the ability to be employable, the ability to connect with lots of people through my blog, a chance to travel safely and comfortably because I have the right to have a guide dog, enjoyment of hobbies such as knitting and board gaming by using braille, and control over my finances thanks to online banking.

I believe in making things accessible not to accommodate people with disabilities, but because it ultimately will benefit everyone.

What does accessibility mean to you? How would your life be different if products and services you use regularly weren't accessible?