Hi! I hope I’m not too late for the discussion, but this question popped up in my head and thought you would be the best person to ask.
I support accessible web — not because I need it but because it makes for a more inclusive space. And I know almost everyone can benefit from more accessible websites and environment — I tend to turn on subtitles on most videos I watch (mainly so I can watch them at 1.5x or 2x speed); and I also sometimes tab through websites because it’s practical (not that it’s always well implemented).
Now for the real question; how could one respond to people saying “we don’t need to limit our website for old people”?
It’s a tough question, I think, because I have a hard time answering without popping a forehead nerve. But I think many people honestly think that accessibility is only for elders or for a very limited group of people. When I mention the uses I give to accessibility tools, or cases of people I know, I’ve been told “yeah but nobody tabs through websites” and similar.
How does one respect peacefully and calmly? Maybe by mentioning statistics?
I imagine I'd also have a hard time answering this question if I wasn't disabled. However, since I am, if anyone ever asked me that ridiculous question, I have two possible answers:
Do I look old to you? (I'm 24, btw.)
I hope you are fortunate enough to never have some sort of accident that causes visual or physical impairment.
Thanks a lot for the reply. I know what to tell the person who asked, the next time I talk to them :)
I hope my question wasn't offensive at all, and I apologize if it was
Not at all! In place of the first question, you could always say you have a young friend who needs accessibility options online. It’s not uncommon at all! Completely outside of the fact that people who’re born with disabilities are young for a very long time lol... anything can happen to any abled person at any time. Someone could fall down their porch steps and break both arms. They’re going to hope the internet is accessible if it ever happens.
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Hi! I hope I’m not too late for the discussion, but this question popped up in my head and thought you would be the best person to ask.
I support accessible web — not because I need it but because it makes for a more inclusive space. And I know almost everyone can benefit from more accessible websites and environment — I tend to turn on subtitles on most videos I watch (mainly so I can watch them at 1.5x or 2x speed); and I also sometimes tab through websites because it’s practical (not that it’s always well implemented).
Now for the real question; how could one respond to people saying “we don’t need to limit our website for old people”?
It’s a tough question, I think, because I have a hard time answering without popping a forehead nerve. But I think many people honestly think that accessibility is only for elders or for a very limited group of people. When I mention the uses I give to accessibility tools, or cases of people I know, I’ve been told “yeah but nobody tabs through websites” and similar.
How does one respect peacefully and calmly? Maybe by mentioning statistics?
I imagine I'd also have a hard time answering this question if I wasn't disabled. However, since I am, if anyone ever asked me that ridiculous question, I have two possible answers:
Thanks a lot for the reply. I know what to tell the person who asked, the next time I talk to them :)
I hope my question wasn't offensive at all, and I apologize if it was
Not at all! In place of the first question, you could always say you have a young friend who needs accessibility options online. It’s not uncommon at all! Completely outside of the fact that people who’re born with disabilities are young for a very long time lol... anything can happen to any abled person at any time. Someone could fall down their porch steps and break both arms. They’re going to hope the internet is accessible if it ever happens.