Resolutions don't have to be unreasonably hard to be effective and worthwhile. Here are four easy resolutions anyone can make this new year to help broaden their knowledge and bridge the digital divide.
1. Brush up on your accessibility knowledge
Whether you're already a seasoned accessibility expert or just looking to learn the basics, there are plenty of resources available to help you keep your skills sharp. This year, make a commitment to continue learning in the way that works for you.
Here are some resources to help:
- Accessibility self-paced training courses
- Accessibility blog
- Digital Accessibility Newsletter
- Free accessibility resources
2. Introduce ten people to digital accessibility
Good things are better when they're shared. This year, help ten (or one, or a hundred, whatever number you're comfortable with) people become aware of some of the benefits and practices of accessibility.
You might start by defining accessibility, introducing accessibility basics and standards, and stressing the importance of respectful language. For more tips, check out How to Introduce People to Digital Accessibility.
3. Improve social media accessibility
This is something everyone who uses social media can commit to, and usually pretty easily, whether you post on behalf of your company or on your own personal accounts. This year, learn about small adjustments you can make that will have a big impact in helping more people access your social content.
Here are some resources to help:
- Make your hashtags accessible
- Twitter accessibility tips
- Facebook closed captioning
- YouTube closed captioning
- Instagram alt text
- Pinterest accessibility tips
4. Ask for accessibility
Most people don't directly create, design, or develop content, but that doesn't mean they can't influence positive change from their current position. One easy way to do this is to simply ask. This year, ask whether that new web page has been tested for accessibility before it's published; ask whether the design and brand teams have accessible colors and brand elements available to them, and if they've been trained on the basics every designer should know; ask about your organization's accessibility policy and how you can help; ask whatever you can and are comfortable with to use your knowledge and passion to help bridge the digital divide.
Here are some resources to help:
- You might be an accessibility champion if you...
- What project managers need to know about accessibility
- What the C-suite needs to know about accessibility
Here to help
We hope you found this content helpful and you consider one or all of these accessibility resolutions for the new year.
If you're looking for help with your accessibility initiatives, contact us to learn how we can help create a customized accessibility compliance strategy for your organization. Or, get started with a free website accessibility scan.
