I am a wheelchair-user on a lifelong journey toward a barrier-free world. For more than three decades, I have been advocating for accessibility on a global scale. Over the years, I have realized that when we speak of accessibility, we are not merely referring to ramps, sign-language interpreters, or Braille pads—we are speaking of something far more profound and transformative than how the word is usually understood or used.
Accessibility should act as a catalyst
Moving beyond a narrow focus on physical or digital barriers to encompass a broader understanding of how language impacts participation and inclusion to encompass a broader understanding of how language impacts participation and inclusion. Accessibility should act as a catalyst—a force that unlocks empathy, fosters connection, and creates freedom and possibility. It is about building spaces where people of all abilities and identities can come together as equals.
Yet, the word itself often feels slippery and deceptive, reduced to bureaucratic compliance, stripped of its true emancipatory power. To reclaim its meaning, we must move beyond the narrow lens of regulations and checklists.
Digital divide has led to discrimination and made us feel ‘dependent’
True accessibility is not only about physical infrastructure—it is about inclusive design that touches every aspect of life. This includes audio and video support, Textbooks That Talk, apps and websites with features like alternate text for images, and accessible PDFs. These are not luxuries or add-ons—they are the very tools that turn accessibility into equity, dignity, and participation for all.
While we all align to find the new normal amidst COVID 19 pandemic, we are all impacted – especially from a digital consumption angle. It’s very challenging as digital world is not accessible to cross disability people. The digital divide has led to discrimination and made us feel ‘dependent’, while it should be the other way round. In the Coivid-19 lockdown, people with disabilities (PwDs) are more dependent upon smart phones and laptops. A great example is what’s app, which has connected PwDs with essential services. My another favorite example is devise like Alexa Echo, which has helped me to undertake small but independent steps like operating the light switches, AC, TV, living a digitally relaxed life….
There has always been a fear that incorporating for accessibility may impact other elements of a web application, such as the look and feel, the overall performance etc. COVID has shown us that there is room for a lot of innovation for and by the PwDs that benefit non-disabled users too. Similarly, there is also a lot of innovation and new technology that needs to embrace accessibility – for example, Apple and Google have partnered to work on contract tracing technology.
The need for accessibility is undeniable
Looking ahead, it is clear that the need for accessibility is undeniable—both physical and digital. In today’s world, it is essential that websites and mobile applications are designed to be accessible, not only for people with disabilities (PwDs) but for everyone. From working from home to accessing telemedicine, banking, shopping, and other essentials, digital accessibility is no longer optional—it is foundational to participation in daily life.
This is where the idea of Beyond Zero, a term, becomes vital. Beyond Zero challenges us to move past the mindset that inclusion can be delivered in fragments—through scattered accommodations or isolated, tick-box exercises. True accessibility cannot be drip-fed; it must be holistic, intentional, and systemic.
If we are truly committed to the principle of leaving no one behind, then we must stop treating accessibility as compliance, and start embracing it as a transformative practice of inclusion.
Human resources and human beings in general need to get over the idea that equality means sameness. It doesn’t! Equality means our individual and collective differences are not deal-breakers, at work, at the grocery store, and when we seek medical care. Perhaps a renewed commitment to accessibility – that confusing, strange and vital word – may help us see this more clearly.
Author:
Dr. Anjlee Agarwal
A catalyst to transform lives through inclusive environments
Spearheading Universal Accessibility, Inclusive Mobility Solutions
Disability-Inclusive Climate Action
www.anjleeagarwal.co.in