Designing for Everyone: Digital Accessibility Insights with Karen Hawkins

Insights Unlocked

In this enlightening episode of Insights Unlocked, host Nathan Isaacs sits down with Karen Hawkins, Principal of Accessible Design at Level Access, during the UXDX conference in New York City. Together, they dive deep into the world of digital accessibility, exploring why it remains a critical yet often overlooked aspect of design. Karen shares valuable insights on how companies can create inclusive digital experiences and the importance of accessibility in today's digital landscape.

Link to this episode's web page

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Episode Description:

In this enlightening episode of Insights Unlocked, host Nathan Isaacs sits down with Karen Hawkins, Principal of Accessible Design at Level Access, during the UXDX conference in New York City. Together, they dive deep into the world of digital accessibility, exploring why it remains a critical yet often overlooked aspect of design. Karen shares valuable insights on how companies can create inclusive digital experiences and the importance of accessibility in today's digital landscape.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

1. Introduction to Digital Accessibility:

• Karen introduces herself and her role at Level Access.
• The discussion opens with an overview of digital accessibility and its importance in ensuring everyone can execute tasks efficiently, regardless of their abilities or characteristics.

1. Current State of Accessibility:

• Despite existing laws and guidelines, accessibility issues persist, particularly simple ones like contrast problems.
• Karen references Web Aim’s annual survey, which highlights recurring accessibility issues on top websites.

1. Challenges and Solutions:

• The need for both grassroots efforts and top-down support to drive meaningful change in accessibility.
• Importance of conducting audits focusing on people, processes, and tools to benchmark and improve accessibility.
• Setting realistic, incremental goals for continuous improvement in accessibility practices.

1. Beyond Digital Products:

• Accessibility extends to organizational culture and practices, including hiring and travel policies.
• The discussion emphasizes that accessibility is a global issue, supported by laws like the European Accessibility Act and guidelines from the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

1. Resources and Personal Responsibility:

• Karen recommends resources like the W3C’s introductory courses and Web Aim for those looking to learn more about accessibility.
• The importance of individuals taking personal responsibility for creating accessible digital content within their organizations.

1. Call to Action:

• Karen encourages listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn for further resources and insights on accessibility.
• Final thoughts on fostering a culture of inclusivity and accessibility in every aspect of digital and organizational practices.

Connect with Karen Hawkins:

• LinkedIn: Karen Hawkins (Note: Ensure you find the right Karen Hawkins, not the romance novelist!)

Additional Resources:

• W3C Introductory Course on Accessibility
• Web Aim