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The Communication Gap in Tech Accessibility
Manage episode 489946060 series 3474034
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Accessibility in mobile technology has evolved from seemingly impossible challenges to remarkable innovations. Join us as we welcome back Sabine Lobnig from the Mobile and Wireless Forum to discuss this fascinating journey.
Sabine shares her unique path into accessibility, beginning with linguistics and a fascination with sign language that connected her to the deaf community. This led to her work with the Mobile and Wireless Forum, where she has spent over 13 years championing digital inclusion. The conversation explores how the GARI database—launched in 2008—provides a centralized resource documenting over 200 accessibility features across mobile devices, continually refined through direct consultation with disability communities.
We dive into how mobile technology shattered barriers once considered insurmountable. Remember when experts claimed touchscreens could never be made accessible to blind users? Those "impossible" challenges have been overcome through innovation and collaboration, demonstrating the tremendous progress made in just over a decade.
The European Accessibility Act, coming into force June 28th, represents a watershed moment for digital inclusion. While major manufacturers have largely embraced accessibility, this legislation ensures these practices continue regardless of leadership changes or economic pressures. Perhaps most importantly, it addresses the persistent communication gap—ensuring users not only have accessible devices but know how to use the powerful features already built in.
Discover how the accessibility landscape continues to evolve, from the growing focus on neurodiversity to the challenge of maintaining institutional knowledge as organizations change. Visit gari.info to explore the database and discover features you might not know exist on your own device—you might be surprised what you find!
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Chapters
1. Welcome to Sabina Labneh (00:00:00)
2. Journey into Accessibility (00:00:58)
3. Diverse Paths to Accessibility Work (00:03:56)
4. Innovation in Mobile Accessibility (00:05:51)
5. Legacy of Accessibility Features (00:09:58)
6. Impact of Accessibility Legislation (00:15:33)
7. Communication and Feature Awareness (00:24:04)
8. Closing and GARI Database Introduction (00:27:00)
269 episodes
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