Overcoming Virtual Barriers: How to Cultivate Meaningful Relationships Online as a Person with a Disability
Photo by Cliff Booth, sourced from Pexels The above picture shows a woman sitting in a chair and working on her laptop.
Even though the internet can make us feel more connected than ever, using it is not easy for everyone. According to the World Health Organization, one in six people has a significant disability. Many of these individuals have encountered virtual barriers that make it difficult for them to reap the benefits that digital tools offer.
As much as developers and marketers try to make their websites and platforms accessible, there is still much to be done. People with disabilities often find themselves taking extra steps to use, view, or understand apps and websites. But, despite the challenges, it is still possible to connect with others online.
In this blog post about overcoming virtual barriers, we will show you how to cultivate meaningful relationships online as a person with disability. First, we will understand what barriers people with disabilities face online; then, we’ll discuss how to use technology, build an online community and advocate for accessibility to help those in need.
Common Virtual Barriers For Those With a Disability
These are the most common challenges faced by someone with a disability when trying to connect with other people through online platforms:
Accessibility Issues
Developers and marketers must adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure everyone — including those with disabilities — can use, read, and understand their platforms.
But this is not always the case. So, when you access a website that does not follow WCAG, it can lead to situations such as the following:
Users relying on screen readers may struggle to navigate if the website lacks proper HTML markup, such as headings and landmarks.
Images without alt text are meaningless to visually impaired users using screen readers.
Videos without captions or transcripts exclude users with hearing impairments.
Social Misconceptions and Biases
When you have a disability, it is not unusual to encounter misconceptions about it, leading to stigmatization and a lack of awareness. This often creates barriers that make individuals with disabilities hesitant to engage online due to the risk of facing prejudiced, patronizing, or offensive behavior.
Academic programs like human services are particularly relevant in addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities, as they focus on advocacy and support within diverse communities. These programs equip students with the skills to create inclusive environments, both online and offline, where individuals with disabilities can thrive without facing stigma or barriers.
Understanding these challenges is essential, much like learning what is a human services degree good for, as it emphasizes the importance of advocating for inclusivity and educating others to foster a more supportive environment. By promoting awareness and understanding, individuals with disabilities can feel more empowered to participate in online spaces without fear of discrimination. It is crucial for society to recognize the value and contributions of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
Communication Difficulties
Depending on your disability, communicating with anyone online can be tough. For example, if you have a speech impediment, it can make the conversation slow and challenging.
Platforms without sign language or closed captioning capabilities for videos may be difficult to use for those who are hard of hearing. Meanwhile, those with dyslexia might struggle to read text without text-to-speech functionalities.
Alternatively, if you struggle to catch visual cues like facial expressions or gestures, seeing them online can be even more challenging if there is a slow connection.
How To Use Technology for Accessibility
Despite the challenges when trying to communicate online, here are some ways you can use technology to help improve accessibility:
Assistive Technologies
Similar to using mobility aids, the right technology can help you navigate the internet with ease. You can use screen readers to turn text into speech. There are also voice recognition software solutions that can help you type as you dictate and assistive technology that can take actions based on what you say. For those with motor impairments, there are adaptive keyboards that can accommodate unique needs.
Accessible Platforms and Apps
Opt for accessible platforms and apps that cater to your needs. For instance, Microsoft Edge has a text-to-speech option for any website.
Social media platforms like LinkedIn also request users to provide alt-text when they publish images or videos.
If your workplace or school requires you to use software that lacks these features, consider requesting alternative options that better accommodate your needs. Alternatively, ask if you can continue using platforms you are already familiar with.
Photo by Marcus Aurelius, sourced from Pexels The above picture shows two women sitting at a desk, one in a wheelchair working.
Make the Technology Work for You
Regardless of your platform, you can customize the settings best suit your needs. For example, you can:
Increase the text size to make it easier to read
Set up voice control on your device
Increase the contrast on your screen.
Adjust the keyboard settings for easier typing.
Enable closed captions or subtitles for videos.
Utilize high contrast modes to reduce eye strain.
Configure sticky keys to assist with keyboard shortcuts.
Activate color filters to differentiate between colors more easily.
Build a Supportive Online Community
One of the best ways to overcome virtual barriers is to find like-minded individuals who can understand you and your unique experiences with technology.
Consider finding online communities and forums for people with disabilities. You might find some social media groups and pages wherein others share tips on how they overcome their challenges. This is an excellent way to cultivate meaningful relationships with other people who have similar experiences to yours.
Of course, looking beyond disability, interest-based communities can be a promising way to feel included. After all, whether you join a group of hobbyists, professionals, or support groups, you can still find common ground with other people.
Use Effective Communication Strategies
Although using assistive technology and building a community can help you overcome some virtual barriers, you still need to practice communicating effectively with others.
Keep these in mind:
Communicate clearly and concisely: Use simple and direct language. As much as possible, you should avoid jargon and complex sentences.
Use visual aids or alternative communication methods: You can also use images, infographics, or other visual aids to get your point across. Where necessary, you can also get an interpreter or use text-to-speech tools.
Understand the needs of others: Be patient. Try to understand the other person’s struggles and accommodate them as best as possible.
Encouraging open dialogue and feedback: Make the other person feel like you are open to hearing what they say and that you are curious about what they think.
Be an Advocate for Accessibility
Since accessibility continues to be a challenge online, remember to advocate for it where you can. Be ready to share your experiences and personal challenges with accessibility. You can even provide feedback to developers and marketers through feedback forms to let them know your pain points and areas for improvement on their platforms.
As more people become more educated about inclusive design and unique accessibility needs, you’ll find more online platforms designed for those with a disability.
It’s also important to disclose your disability to a potential employer. That way, they can try to accommodate your needs and make the workplace more accessible.
Lastly, you can advocate for the cause by using and sharing accessible products and services with your community. When developers find a demand for accessible technology, they can use resources to build more assistive tools for those in need.
Overcome Your Virtual Barriers Today
In conclusion, even though the internet has made people feel more connected than ever before, it’s still not equally accessible to everyone.
But you can still make meaningful relationships online by using technology to your advantage, like screen readers and text-to-speech tools, or simply by adjusting the settings on your device. You can also build or join a supportive community.
Remember also to communicate clearly, use visual aids, understand the needs of others, and encourage open dialogue. In this way, you can play a big part in letting others know how important accessibility is to you and those with similar challenges.
As more people become aware of inclusive design and accessibility needs, the online world will become more inclusive.