Issue #6 • 04 June 2024

Hi Reader.

A few weeks ago, I learned a fantastic accessibility advocacy technique from Jill Power, who leads the accessibility program at Pegasystems. It's a really simple empathy-building game called the "Put your mouse down" challenge. If you try it, I'll send you a free gift. Here's all you need to do.

Put your mouse aside and complete the following task using only your computer keyboard.

1. Start a reply to this email and add the text "Put your mouse down challenge" to the beginning of the message.
2. Attach an image (any image will do) to your message.
3. Send me your reply message.

Now take a moment to reflect on how you feel. Are you surprised? Frustrated? Relieved? How do you think your feelings might relate to those of people who are unable to use a mouse due to vision, motor, or neurological disabilities?

The "Put your mouse down" challenge is just one of the empathy-building strategies I got to discuss and try out in my presentation at the most recent WordPress Accessibility Meetup. Read on for more details.

Events

Webinar: Building empathy with stakeholders to drive accessibility

Last month, I was honored to be the featured speaker at May's virtual WordPress Accessibility meetup . I gave a highly interactive presentation about using empathy to advance accessibility with stakeholders. This session was so fun and rewarding for me, and you can check it out on Youtube right now.

Recent blog articles

Try this simple recipe for creating great image alt text Answering three simple questions can make it easy to create alternative text for an image that's meaningful and relevant. Check out the recipe

Disability is as dynamic as the mountain air Disability is not static, but fluctuates and zigzags depending on time, environment, circumstance and many other factors. I learned this first-hand on a trip to the Colorado Rockies. Head for the mountains

Accessibility around the web

• ​BeeLine Reader​
  This browser extension makes reading on-screen text easier, faster, and more enjoyable by coloring words with a gradient that guides your eyes through long blocks of text. This helps you read more effectively and maintain better focus. A great tool for readers with attention deficits, vision impairments, and dyslexia.
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• ​Neurodiversity Design System - Will Soward​
  A cohesive set of design principles and standards aimed at making great user experiences for people with neurodiversity. Some good guidelines on accessible fonts, typography, color, and much more, complete with a collection of personas that characterize real traits of neurodiverse end-users.
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• ​Assistive technology has a ‘sex appeal’ problem, and it’s failing disabled users - Rebecca Rosenberg (Technical.ly)​
  People with disabilities have needs that are not being met — and they’re not being met right now. Disabled people need to be involved in the design of new assistive technologies from the get-go.

New free resource from Pedal Point

Get the Accessible Writing Checklist - free Downloaded your free copy of this new resource packed with more than 20 accessible writing and content creation best practices to help you ensure that everyone can engage with your content. Get the checklist now

Have a jubilant June!

Simon Miner Pedal Point Solutions

Need help with web accessibility testing, treatment, or training? Pedal Point Solutions offers a free assessment of your website.

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