View Topic - Accessible PDFs

A brief  published by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)

The global population of older women, including those with disabilities, is increasing and they contribute to formal and informal economies as well as within families. However, they face discrimination, bias, and marginalization, which is further compounded for those with disabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened their situation, with gender-based violence increasing and anecdotal evidence suggesting that older women and women with disabilities are more affected. The brief emphasizes the need to promote and protect their rights and ensure their full and equal participation in society, as integral to the pursuit of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its principle of Leave No One Behind. The brief provides recommendations for actions that stakeholders might consider and implement.

The essence of digital accessibility lies in ensuring equal access to information, functionality, and experiences on digital platforms for all individuals, regardless of their disabilities or traits commonly associated with disabilities. This encompasses physical disabilities, neurodiversity conditions, and the impact of socio-economic discrimination on people with disabilities. The definition of disability encompasses various types, including permanent, temporary, and situational disabilities.

While the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) have been in existence since 1999, numerous accessibility guides have been published online over the years. However, many of these guides have their limitations. Some are overly prescriptive, focusing solely on checklist items. Others present an idealistic view without inspiring action. Some guides emphasize charity-driven narratives, portraying people with disabilities as objects of pity and emphasizing insurmountable gaps. Additionally, biased guides may claim to help but primarily serve to sell accessibility consulting services or tools.

In contrast, this particular guide takes a different approach. In collaboration with a renowned accessibility writer, the UX Collective aims to provide a candid perspective on accessibility. It acknowledges that the initial attempt at creating accessibility may be challenging, encounters with difficult individuals may occur, and accessibility is not an optional extra. To deliver an equitable user experience to individuals with disabilities, going beyond good practices and striving for greatness is necessary.

Dive into the art of crafting meaningful and inclusive ALT text that transcends mere identification. Explore a comprehensive resource collection to refine your skills and foster inclusive experiences. Learn to create ALT text that not only provides accessibility but also captures the essence of images. Uncover insights on customizing descriptions for various digital platforms and follow best practices for book covers, logos, and mastheads. Elevate the accessibility and inclusivity of your content by embracing the potential of descriptive ALT text.

Baha'i Quotes and References Related to Community Building

Discover the essence of community building through a captivating collection of insightful quotes from the Bahá'í Faith, urging readers to delve into the profound wisdom that fosters unity, inclusivity, and collaboration. From fostering a sense of belonging to promoting the betterment of society, these quotes offer invaluable guidance on nurturing vibrant communities grounded in mutual respect, service, and spiritual principles. Embrace the transformative power of community as you explore this enriching compilation, inspiring a deeper understanding of humanity's collective journey towards a more unified and harmonious world.

bahaiquotes.com - Community Building

In an environment of love and trust born of common belief, practice, and mission, individuals of different races will have the intimate connection of heart and mind upon which mutual understanding and change depend. As a result of their training and deepening, a growing number of believers will draw insights from the Writings to sensitively and effectively address issues of racial prejudice that arise within their personal lives and families, among community members, and in social settings and the workplace. As programs of growth advance and the scope and intensity of activities grow, the friends will be drawn into participation in conversations and, in time, initiatives for social action at the grassroots where issues pertaining to freedom from prejudice naturally emerge, whether directly or indirectly.

Nasa Added Amazing Alt Text Image Descriptions to James Webb Space Telescope Photos

There was a ton of excitement when the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was launched into space last month. What made the excitement exponentially larger was when NASA made the first few photos received from JWST public. The pictures were gorgeous and stunning, and the world was captivated by the sheer beauty of our universe as shown by these photos.

These stunning photos, which are a feast for our eyes, were accompanied by something that made sure blind people enjoyed these photos as much as sighted people did – alt text! Now, the alt text attached to these images were not just 1-2 sentences giving a vague description of the images. These were descriptive, poetic, and scientifically accurate. It is clear that the team that wrote them (STCI – Space Telescope Science Institute) put a lot of thought and care into them. 

Take a look at the first few photos from JWST below and their image descriptions. You can also access these descriptions on the JWST website under “Image Description” on the left menu (pdf). The images also have alt text that will be read out loud by your screen reader.

by the National Center for Learning Disabilities

Significant disproportionality in special education is a concerning trend where students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities are identified, placed in more restrictive educational settings, and disciplined at significantly higher rates than their peers. This brief discusses the magnitude of this trend, which negatively affects student outcomes, and the need for policymakers to take action to prevent it. The literature and latest research on disproportionality in special education are summarized, and changes in policy and practice that can reduce significant disproportionality in schools are proposed.

The inappropriate placement of children in special education programs causes short- and long-term harm, particularly for students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and students of color from low-income backgrounds. They are denied opportunities and rigorous curriculum crucial to their academic success, and once placed in special education programs, they are disproportionately secluded and harshly punished. To improve practices and policies, local school districts, states, and federal lawmakers must acknowledge the widespread inequities that exist and take steps to provide a high-quality public education that meets the individual needs of students from different racial or ethnic backgrounds. This brief provides valuable insights into the disproportionality in special education and the necessary actions to address this issue.