Designing for Inclusivity: A Workshop Recap

According to a review of the top 1,000,000 websites on the internet, only 4% are free of accessibility errors. This alarming statistic highlights the critical need for inclusivity in digital projects. With approximately 1.5 million people in Canada alone living with some form of visual disability, the importance of accessibility is more pressing than ever. Screen readers have become essential tools in the digital age, enabling individuals to navigate online spaces with greater ease.

Our recent workshop, “Designing for Inclusivity,” sponsored by Alberta Blue Cross, brought together passionate individuals eager to learn about building inclusive digital projects. Over three hours, participants gained valuable skills and insights from various organizations dedicated to accessibility.

Neil Squire’s Makers Making Change

Leading Canada’s efforts in accessible gaming, Neil Squire’s Makers Making Change supported gamers, makerspaces, clinical centers, and game developers on their adaptive gaming journeys. Their initiative provides low-cost, open-source assistive technology, as well as resources on accessible gaming basics and community initiatives.

Gaming is a vast and inclusive community that fosters connection and unique experiences. People with disabilities often report higher rates of social isolation; gaming can help bridge this gap. Even enjoying a single game or genre can connect individuals to a supportive fanbase. Specialized gaming setups can be affordable when leveraging open-source assistive technology, ensuring gaming is for everyone.

Moreover, adaptive gaming plays a significant role in rehabilitation. By gamifying switch access, voice controls, or other assistive tools, acceptance rates increase dramatically. Institutions like Craig Hospital utilize gaming in rehabilitation to improve motor control, balance, attention, and pain management. During our workshop, participants crafted adaptive game switches to be donated to individuals in need, directly impacting the lives of gamers with disabilities.

IncluCity Calgary

Too often, technology is designed without the input of the people who will ultimately use it. IncluCity Calgary emphasizes the inclusion of diverse individuals in tech development to ensure that products work for everyone.

During the workshop, we explored accessibility for individuals with visual impairments and dyslexia. Some high-level tips for making websites more accessible include:

• Use clear and descriptive headings.
• Ensure sufficient color contrast between text and background.
• Provide alternative text for images.
• Simplify language and structure for easier comprehension.

These practices not only enhance usability for those with disabilities but also improve the overall user experience for everyone.

EliXR Simulations

EliXR Simulations showcased how virtual reality (VR) can enhance accessibility. They conducted a demo illustrating VR’s potential to bring experiences to individuals with mobility limitations and serve as a training tool for various scenarios.

VR can create immersive environments that allow people to experience activities they may not physically access, enhancing engagement and learning opportunities. It offers innovative solutions for both social and educational settings, providing valuable experiences that promote inclusivity.

Spotlight on Alberta Blue Cross’ Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion

Alberta Blue Cross believes that accessibility and inclusion are essential to staying true to their social purpose. Their mission is to enable and empower all Albertans—regardless of ability—to take charge of their well-being and live their best lives. They target a grade 3 reading level in all content and comply with ISO plain language standards, ensuring communications are clear and accessible to everyone.

Diana Campbell, Senior Manager of Digital Strategy and Governance, shared, “At Alberta Blue Cross, we believe that no person should face barriers when it comes to their health or well-being. Sponsoring this event reflected our commitment to breaking down those barriers through knowledge sharing, empathy building, and designing for all. We know that together, we can build digital technology that has the power to make health accessible to everyone—regardless of their abilities or circumstances—ensuring that every person can access the resources they need to live their best life.”

Recently, Alberta Blue Cross developed a comprehensive, scalable UI design system that aims to streamline design processes, improve accessibility standards, and enhance the overall user experience across their digital platforms. This tool has now been rolled out to their 300+ employees and is used in all service delivery. This tool is now open source and can be adopted by other companies that are building digital products!