Last week the world recognized Global Accessibility Awareness Day. #GAAD
Read the insights of Shira Ruderman, Chair of our Board.
Every day, many of us take for granted the ease at which a search engine performs, or the vast expanse of webpages at our fingertips. Past months have showed the growing importance of technology in managing everyday work and social lives. However, for many people with disabilities, this opportunity is non-existent because of the lack of digital accessibility in the world. According to a 2020 study by WebAIM 2020, 98.1% of the top million webpages failed to provide Web Content Accessibility with an average of 60 errors per home page.
Nine years ago, Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) was created after a blog post by a Los Angeles-based web developer on this issue, followed by a Twitter discussion by Canadian accessibility professional. Over the years, GAAD has grown into what is now a world-wide day aimed at increasing the awareness and knowledge on digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities. This year, GAAD will be taking place on May 21.
The Ruderman Family Foundation has been advocating for full inclusion of all people with disabilities in all spheres of life for decades. As a part of GAAD, we are joining forces with young adults with and without disabilities on May 21st to create an accessible digital festival that will elevate the issue of technology and accessibility. This event highlights issues that GAAD is focused on. For example, how to caption your media, the ways in which technology can provide accessibility and innovation, and inclusion through digital media. Digital accessibility is even more crucial for people with disabilities during this pandemic period and our work at the foundation is aimed, more than ever, awareness and knowledge to this global day!
Shira Ruderman is Director of the Ruderman Family Foundation, a Boston-based organization working to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities and strengthen Israel's relationship with the American Jewish community. Shira is active in a number of other organizations, including the IAC and FIDF, and serves as Chair of the Fulbright Executive Committee in Israel.
