I’ll start this with a disclaimer. I am employed by a digital transformation training and consulting firm.

I have a vested interest and belief in the power of digital services and design to improve the world – education, workplaces, healthcare - for the better.

But this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, between you and me, I want to tell you about the dark side of digital. The murky aspect that so often gets ignored as we sing (and, as I say, often rightly so) praises for the power of digital to Solve All Our Problems.

Digital exclusion.

Specifically, digital exclusion for disabled people.

I’ve seen the case studies, the anecdotes and the evidence that the pandemic has been great for disabled people. Physical barriers? Gone! Costs of transport? Covered! Anxious meeting people? Leave the camera off!

Lots and lots of opportunities.

However, let’s consider some of the less-than-ideal impacts of life-by-links for disabled people.

1)      Disabled people are less likely to have access to technology. If you can’t afford or have access to devices, then we have total digital inaccessibility. Also, with disability increasing directly with age, there are certain demographics who are particularly marginalised.

2)      Asking about access needs has become a rarity, rather than standard practice.

3)      Zoom-fatigue is, not just exhausting, but intolerable for many neurodivergent individuals.

4)      Complex healthcare needs are harder to pick up and support on cameras or calls.

As we hasten the pace towards digital-first, we need to ensure all people feel the benefits.

As we tweet, live-stream and post, we need to remember that there are voices who cannot be heard.

Am I totally digitally accessible in everything I do?

No way.

I could add more captions, I sometimes forget to send agendas in advance, I often don’t ask others their access needs in one-to-one situations. And I’m sure there are many other things that were less than perfect.

Being aware of my own imperfections in some areas will not stop me from doing what I can, as I feel able and supported to do so.

Today, I encourage you to recognise the barriers that disabled people around the world face on a daily basis – which did not stop for the pandemic, but in many cases were magnified.

What can you do?

Here’s some tips to get started:

1.       Acknowledge the challenges of digital and the risks of digital inaccessibility.

2.       Ask people if they have access needs and share as much information in advance as possible if you are meeting virtually.

3.       Be aware that ‘work from home where possible’ is often not possible for many disabled people.

Oh, and of course I should mention I run digital accessibility training if you fancy a longer dosage of lessons

Is the future digital? You bet.

Disabled people are a part of our futures too.