Newsletter

Exchange with the disability community
Issue 2-2025

Mit Domingos de Oliveira (netz-barrierefrei.de):

Many accessibility consultants rely primarily on guidelines. Dialogue with people with disabilities plays a subordinate role for them. While the guidelines are legally binding and form the basis for action, they are abstract and sometimes detached from reality. Therefore, those responsible should always strive to engage regularly with people with disabilities and learn about their specific challenges. Thanks to social media, there are now easier ways to do so than ever before.

Interesting articles

Chatbots are found in many applications. And unfortunately, they are rarely accessible. This article explains what you should pay attention to.

Designing accessible chatbots

So-called accessibility overlays claim to be a shortcut to accessibility. This article dispels common misconceptions.

Myths about accessibility overlays

Bitkom has published a guide to the Accessibility Strengthening Act.

Bitkom Guidelines (PDF)

The following articles are in English: A report shows that people with disabilities are underrepresented in data-driven algorithms. This has major implications for programs that make automated decisions based on data.

Disability Data Alarmingly Absent From AI Algorithmic Tools, Report Suggestions

The Accessible Technology Charter is a commitment to accessible technologies. It can be signed by organizations to demonstrate their commitment to this area.

The Accessible Technology Charter

The healthcare system should be designed for special cases, not for the average person, according to an article in Wired.

Health Care Should Be Designed for the Extremes of Life

A series of articles shows what people in user research do to make offers accessible and to recruit disabled test subjects.

Unlocking Accessibility: User researchers share their approach to digital accessibility

Native apps are also slowly coming into focus regarding accessibility. A guide shows you where to start.

Step-by-Step Guide to Provide Accessibility in Your Mobile App

Good news of the month

The following posts are all in English.

A tool is designed to help visually impaired people find suitable assistive devices.

Handy online tool makes personalized assistive tech recommendations for people with sight loss

An app is designed to make it easier for blind people to explore their surroundings.

Descriptive boost for visual accessibility

An overlay provider in the USA has to pay a one million dollar fine for misleading statements.

FTC orders accessibility startup to pay $1M for misleading advertising

In Brazil, a tool is being developed to automatically translate sign language.

Lenovo And Brazilian Innovation Hub CESAR Create Sign Language “Translator” For Hearing People With

In India, an app has been developed to make it easier for disabled people to register and vote.

Saksham to make it easy for people with disabilities

An initiative of disabled researchers is working to make science laboratories more accessible.

How scientists with disabilities are making research labs and fieldwork more accessible

The company Lego supports the sunflower symbol. The sunflower is meant to show when people have an invisible disability and need more support.

Lego Increases Disability Inclusion In Its Product Line

More articles