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Episode 3 -Creating Digital Spaces That Work for Everyone
[Intro Music Fades In]
Thad:
Welcome to Inclusion Together Media, the podcast where we explore the power of inclusion in every aspect of life—because creating supportive environments isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity. I’m your host, Thad Jaymes Bradley, an advocate for inclusive change. Today, we’re diving into practical tips for creating digital spaces that work for everyone.
[Pause for Emphasis]
We’re talking websites, apps, social media, and beyond. Whether you’re a designer, a business owner, or just someone who wants to make the digital world more welcoming, this episode is for you.
[Music Fades Out]
Part 1: Why Inclusive Digital Spaces Matter
Thad:
Let’s start with a simple but powerful question: Why does digital accessibility matter?
Here’s the deal—around 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. That’s over a billion people. Making digital spaces accessible isn’t just ethical—it’s smart. It’s about inclusion, yes, but it’s also about reaching a broader audience and building trust.
Accessible design benefits everyone. Ever used captions in a loud café or appreciated a larger font when you forgot your glasses? That’s universal design in action.
Part 2: Practical Tips for Digital Accessibility
Thad:
Now let’s get into the practical side of things. Here are some actionable steps you can take today to make your digital spaces more inclusive:
1. Start with Alt Text for Images
When uploading images, include descriptive alternative text. This ensures that people using screen readers can understand the content. For example, instead of “photo of a dog,” try “a black-and-white dog named Oreo playing in a grassy backyard.”
2. Use Color Wisely
Did you know 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women experience color blindness? Use high-contrast color schemes and never rely on color alone to convey information. Add labels or patterns to support visual distinctions.
3. Keyboard Navigation
Some users rely on keyboards rather than mice to navigate digital spaces. Make sure your website or app is fully functional using just the Tab, Enter, and Arrow keys.
4. Captions and Transcripts for Videos
Always provide captions for video content and transcripts for audio. This helps not just individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing but also those in sound-sensitive environments.
5. Simplify Your Design
A clean, uncluttered layout benefits everyone, especially people with cognitive disabilities or ADHD. Use clear headings, logical navigation, and minimal distractions.
Part 3: Testing for Accessibility
Thad:
How do you know if your digital space is accessible? Test it!
•Use free tools like WebAIM’s WAVE or Google Lighthouse to identify accessibility issues.
•Better yet, involve people with disabilities in your testing process. Their lived experiences will give you insights that automated tools can’t.
Part 4: The Inclusion Mindset
Thad:
Here’s the most important tip of all: adopt an inclusion-first mindset. Accessibility isn’t a one-and-done project. It’s a continuous process. Ask yourself, “Who might be excluded by this design?” and make adjustments accordingly.
By prioritizing inclusivity, you’re not just meeting legal requirements—you’re creating a better, more welcoming experience for everyone.
[Outro Music Fades In]
Thad:
That’s it for today’s episode of Inclusion Together Media. Remember, small steps lead to big changes. Whether it’s adding alt text, refining your layout, or testing for accessibility, every effort counts.
If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe for more tips on creating inclusive environments. Until next time, keep striving for inclusion—together.
[Outro Music Fades Out]
Thad:
Welcome to Inclusion Together Media, the podcast where we explore the power of inclusion in every aspect of life—because creating supportive environments isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity. I’m your host, Thad Jaymes Bradley, an advocate for inclusive change. Today, we’re diving into practical tips for creating digital spaces that work for everyone.
[Pause for Emphasis]
We’re talking websites, apps, social media, and beyond. Whether you’re a designer, a business owner, or just someone who wants to make the digital world more welcoming, this episode is for you.
[Music Fades Out]
Part 1: Why Inclusive Digital Spaces Matter
Thad:
Let’s start with a simple but powerful question: Why does digital accessibility matter?
Here’s the deal—around 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. That’s over a billion people. Making digital spaces accessible isn’t just ethical—it’s smart. It’s about inclusion, yes, but it’s also about reaching a broader audience and building trust.
Accessible design benefits everyone. Ever used captions in a loud café or appreciated a larger font when you forgot your glasses? That’s universal design in action.
Part 2: Practical Tips for Digital Accessibility
Thad:
Now let’s get into the practical side of things. Here are some actionable steps you can take today to make your digital spaces more inclusive:
1. Start with Alt Text for Images
When uploading images, include descriptive alternative text. This ensures that people using screen readers can understand the content. For example, instead of “photo of a dog,” try “a black-and-white dog named Oreo playing in a grassy backyard.”
2. Use Color Wisely
Did you know 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women experience color blindness? Use high-contrast color schemes and never rely on color alone to convey information. Add labels or patterns to support visual distinctions.
3. Keyboard Navigation
Some users rely on keyboards rather than mice to navigate digital spaces. Make sure your website or app is fully functional using just the Tab, Enter, and Arrow keys.
4. Captions and Transcripts for Videos
Always provide captions for video content and transcripts for audio. This helps not just individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing but also those in sound-sensitive environments.
5. Simplify Your Design
A clean, uncluttered layout benefits everyone, especially people with cognitive disabilities or ADHD. Use clear headings, logical navigation, and minimal distractions.
Part 3: Testing for Accessibility
Thad:
How do you know if your digital space is accessible? Test it!
•Use free tools like WebAIM’s WAVE or Google Lighthouse to identify accessibility issues.
•Better yet, involve people with disabilities in your testing process. Their lived experiences will give you insights that automated tools can’t.
Part 4: The Inclusion Mindset
Thad:
Here’s the most important tip of all: adopt an inclusion-first mindset. Accessibility isn’t a one-and-done project. It’s a continuous process. Ask yourself, “Who might be excluded by this design?” and make adjustments accordingly.
By prioritizing inclusivity, you’re not just meeting legal requirements—you’re creating a better, more welcoming experience for everyone.
[Outro Music Fades In]
Thad:
That’s it for today’s episode of Inclusion Together Media. Remember, small steps lead to big changes. Whether it’s adding alt text, refining your layout, or testing for accessibility, every effort counts.
If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe for more tips on creating inclusive environments. Until next time, keep striving for inclusion—together.
[Outro Music Fades Out]
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By Inclusion Together Media[Intro Music Fades In]
Thad:
Welcome to Inclusion Together Media, the podcast where we explore the power of inclusion in every aspect of life—because creating supportive environments isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity. I’m your host, Thad Jaymes Bradley, an advocate for inclusive change. Today, we’re diving into practical tips for creating digital spaces that work for everyone.
[Pause for Emphasis]
We’re talking websites, apps, social media, and beyond. Whether you’re a designer, a business owner, or just someone who wants to make the digital world more welcoming, this episode is for you.
[Music Fades Out]
Part 1: Why Inclusive Digital Spaces Matter
Thad:
Let’s start with a simple but powerful question: Why does digital accessibility matter?
Here’s the deal—around 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. That’s over a billion people. Making digital spaces accessible isn’t just ethical—it’s smart. It’s about inclusion, yes, but it’s also about reaching a broader audience and building trust.
Accessible design benefits everyone. Ever used captions in a loud café or appreciated a larger font when you forgot your glasses? That’s universal design in action.
Part 2: Practical Tips for Digital Accessibility
Thad:
Now let’s get into the practical side of things. Here are some actionable steps you can take today to make your digital spaces more inclusive:
1. Start with Alt Text for Images
When uploading images, include descriptive alternative text. This ensures that people using screen readers can understand the content. For example, instead of “photo of a dog,” try “a black-and-white dog named Oreo playing in a grassy backyard.”
2. Use Color Wisely
Did you know 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women experience color blindness? Use high-contrast color schemes and never rely on color alone to convey information. Add labels or patterns to support visual distinctions.
3. Keyboard Navigation
Some users rely on keyboards rather than mice to navigate digital spaces. Make sure your website or app is fully functional using just the Tab, Enter, and Arrow keys.
4. Captions and Transcripts for Videos
Always provide captions for video content and transcripts for audio. This helps not just individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing but also those in sound-sensitive environments.
5. Simplify Your Design
A clean, uncluttered layout benefits everyone, especially people with cognitive disabilities or ADHD. Use clear headings, logical navigation, and minimal distractions.
Part 3: Testing for Accessibility
Thad:
How do you know if your digital space is accessible? Test it!
•Use free tools like WebAIM’s WAVE or Google Lighthouse to identify accessibility issues.
•Better yet, involve people with disabilities in your testing process. Their lived experiences will give you insights that automated tools can’t.
Part 4: The Inclusion Mindset
Thad:
Here’s the most important tip of all: adopt an inclusion-first mindset. Accessibility isn’t a one-and-done project. It’s a continuous process. Ask yourself, “Who might be excluded by this design?” and make adjustments accordingly.
By prioritizing inclusivity, you’re not just meeting legal requirements—you’re creating a better, more welcoming experience for everyone.
[Outro Music Fades In]
Thad:
That’s it for today’s episode of Inclusion Together Media. Remember, small steps lead to big changes. Whether it’s adding alt text, refining your layout, or testing for accessibility, every effort counts.
If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe for more tips on creating inclusive environments. Until next time, keep striving for inclusion—together.
[Outro Music Fades Out]
Thad:
Welcome to Inclusion Together Media, the podcast where we explore the power of inclusion in every aspect of life—because creating supportive environments isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity. I’m your host, Thad Jaymes Bradley, an advocate for inclusive change. Today, we’re diving into practical tips for creating digital spaces that work for everyone.
[Pause for Emphasis]
We’re talking websites, apps, social media, and beyond. Whether you’re a designer, a business owner, or just someone who wants to make the digital world more welcoming, this episode is for you.
[Music Fades Out]
Part 1: Why Inclusive Digital Spaces Matter
Thad:
Let’s start with a simple but powerful question: Why does digital accessibility matter?
Here’s the deal—around 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. That’s over a billion people. Making digital spaces accessible isn’t just ethical—it’s smart. It’s about inclusion, yes, but it’s also about reaching a broader audience and building trust.
Accessible design benefits everyone. Ever used captions in a loud café or appreciated a larger font when you forgot your glasses? That’s universal design in action.
Part 2: Practical Tips for Digital Accessibility
Thad:
Now let’s get into the practical side of things. Here are some actionable steps you can take today to make your digital spaces more inclusive:
1. Start with Alt Text for Images
When uploading images, include descriptive alternative text. This ensures that people using screen readers can understand the content. For example, instead of “photo of a dog,” try “a black-and-white dog named Oreo playing in a grassy backyard.”
2. Use Color Wisely
Did you know 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women experience color blindness? Use high-contrast color schemes and never rely on color alone to convey information. Add labels or patterns to support visual distinctions.
3. Keyboard Navigation
Some users rely on keyboards rather than mice to navigate digital spaces. Make sure your website or app is fully functional using just the Tab, Enter, and Arrow keys.
4. Captions and Transcripts for Videos
Always provide captions for video content and transcripts for audio. This helps not just individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing but also those in sound-sensitive environments.
5. Simplify Your Design
A clean, uncluttered layout benefits everyone, especially people with cognitive disabilities or ADHD. Use clear headings, logical navigation, and minimal distractions.
Part 3: Testing for Accessibility
Thad:
How do you know if your digital space is accessible? Test it!
•Use free tools like WebAIM’s WAVE or Google Lighthouse to identify accessibility issues.
•Better yet, involve people with disabilities in your testing process. Their lived experiences will give you insights that automated tools can’t.
Part 4: The Inclusion Mindset
Thad:
Here’s the most important tip of all: adopt an inclusion-first mindset. Accessibility isn’t a one-and-done project. It’s a continuous process. Ask yourself, “Who might be excluded by this design?” and make adjustments accordingly.
By prioritizing inclusivity, you’re not just meeting legal requirements—you’re creating a better, more welcoming experience for everyone.
[Outro Music Fades In]
Thad:
That’s it for today’s episode of Inclusion Together Media. Remember, small steps lead to big changes. Whether it’s adding alt text, refining your layout, or testing for accessibility, every effort counts.
If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe for more tips on creating inclusive environments. Until next time, keep striving for inclusion—together.
[Outro Music Fades Out]