Celebrating Universal Design and Inclusion at GitLab

Ryan Honick Presents to the GitLab team on the 33rd anniversary of the ADA

Today marks the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark legislation that has transformed the lives of millions of Americans. Today, I had the distinct honor of speaking at GitLab on this significant day. Our discussion revolved around the benefits of universal design and remote work in fostering more inclusive and welcoming environments for employees of all abilities.

The conversation was vibrant, engaging, and insightful. I am profoundly grateful to the team at GitLab for inviting me to speak on such crucial topics during Disability Pride Month, and particularly on the anniversary of the ADA. It is through such dialogues that we continue the legacy and vital work of the ADA, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone to thrive in the workplace and beyond.

The passion of the GitLab team was palpable. They are committed to creating an environment where all employees can thrive and succeed. They understand that true inclusion happens when conversations about diversity and disability become the norm, not the exception. When we bring these discussions out of the shadows, we dismantle the stigma and shame often associated with disability. We create a space where people feel empowered to share their stories and experiences, enriching us all.

Normalizing these conversations is a step towards a more inclusive society. It allows us to recognize and appreciate the unique perspectives we each bring to the table, and understand how disability can impact us in ways we may not realize.

I am deeply thankful to GitLab for this opportunity. Their leadership's passion for these discussions is evident, and it's a reminder that change truly starts from the top. I hope that these conversations continue not just during Disability Pride Month, but throughout the year. They are daily discussions that need to happen. They are crucial to our success as individuals, as a society, and as a workforce.

I want to express my gratitude to GitLab for today's opportunity to discuss these important topics. Let's continue to bring these conversations to the forefront, not just today, but every day of the year.

The Power of Universal Design: A Look at Comcast's Innovative Remote

Illustration of Thomas Wlodkowski, VP of Accessibility at Comcast

Today as part of the ongoing celebration of Disability Pride Month, I want to spotlight a concept that's revolutionizing the way we think about accessibility: Universal Design. As a disability advocate, wheelchair user, service dog handler, and someone with a visual impairment, I've experienced firsthand the transformative power of Universal Design.

One of the most exciting examples of this is Comcast's Xfinity Large Button Voice Remote highlighted in a recent piece in Fast Company. This device, the brainchild of Thomas Wlodkowski, VP of Accessibility at Comcast, is the first remote built from the ground up with accessibility in mind. Wlodkowski, who has been blind since birth, has a simple yet powerful goal: “To make sure that the full menu of experiences within our entertainment service is available to as many customers as possible.”

Before this remote, Comcast customers seeking accessibility features were mailed a third-party device that was often seen as clunky and "medical." Wlodkowski knew there had to be a better way. He inspired his colleagues to create a device that was not only accessible but also intuitive and practical for all users.

The result? A sleek remote that’s 7 inches long and 2 inches wide, with larger buttons, bigger text, backlighting, an easier battery-change mechanism, built-in voice-command capability, and an instruction manual that speaks. The design process involved conducting focus group sessions with residents from New Horizons, a supported living facility in Connecticut for people with physical disabilities.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Comcast is now shipping about 2,000 units of the Large Button Voice Remote each week, up from 800 when the device first launched. The remote is free to all Comcast X1 and Flex customers, who can request it through Comcast’s Accessibility Support Center.

This remote is a testament to the potential of Universal Design in transforming the future of accessibility. It serves as a reminder that when we design with everyone in mind, we create a world that is more inclusive and equitable.

As we continue to celebrate Disability Pride Month, let's remember the power of Universal Design and continue to push for more accessible and inclusive designs in all aspects of our lives.

This Comcast exec did the impossible: He created a TV remote that’s actually well designed

Threads: A Missed Opportunity for Accessibility and Inclusion

A mobile phone with one iteration of the logo for the new social media app Threads.

As a disability advocate and a person with disabilities, I am disheartened to witness the launch of Meta's new social media platform, Threads, without the inclusion of basic accessibility features. This is especially disappointing as we celebrate Disability Pride Month.

Threads, which is being touted as a competitor to Twitter, seems to have missed the mark when it comes to accommodating users with disabilities. Chase DiBenedetto of Mashable writes, "in a strange step back for the tech giant, the hours-old platform...doesn't seem to accommodate those with disabilities well, offering few accessibility tools, customization options, or site policies on its accessibility features at large."

In 2023, launching a new product is not an excuse to ignore disability and treat those with accessibility needs as an afterthought. Threads is competing with a platform whose crumbling infrastructure is due in part to that same mindset following a takeover by Elon Musk.

As someone with a visual impairment, I rely heavily on assistive technology and accessibility tools to navigate the web. The lack of accessibility features in Threads is not just an oversight; it's a barrier that prevents individuals like me from participating in online conversations and communities. It's a far cry from Mark Zuckerberg's claim that the platform will "focus on kindness." You can't do that through exclusion.

Accessibility is not an afterthought; it is a fundamental aspect of design and development. The principle of Universal Design promotes environments and tools that prioritize use by all people without the need for specialized accommodations. Allon Mason CEO and founder of web accessibility company UserWay.org, rightly points out, "Digital platforms have a responsibility to be inclusive, and it is essential that accessibility is at the forefront of their design considerations."

Threads' lack of accessibility features is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for digital inclusion. It is imperative for social media platforms to recognize and address the diverse needs of all users, including those with disabilities.

As a community, we must hold these platforms accountable and advocate for the integration of accessibility features. It is not just about compliance; it is about creating an inclusive digital space where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can communicate, connect, and contribute.

I urge Meta to take immediate steps to address the accessibility gaps in Threads and to engage with the disability community in the development and implementation of these features. Let's work together to ensure that social media is inclusive and accessible to all.

Threads gets a failing grade from advocates on accessible design