Championing Digital Accessibility in the United States. A Path to Inclusive Design

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In an era where digital platforms serve as critical gateways to education, employment, and social interaction, the importance of accessibility cannot be overstated. For the 61 million adults in the United States living with a disability, these platforms can either be a bridge to an inclusive society or a barrier to essential services.

Understanding the Landscape

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four U.S. adults lives with some disability. This demographic faces significant challenges in navigating digital spaces that are not designed with their needs in mind.
The ADA mandates equal opportunities for people with disabilities, yet many digital platforms lag in compliance, exacerbating exclusion.

Disability Impacts All of Us Infographic | CDC

61 million adults in the United States live with a disability. View an infographic snapshot of disability in the United…

The Critical Need for ADA Compliance in Digital Markets

Studies conducted by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), highlight the gap in accessibility features across digital platforms. These gaps not only limit the participation of individuals with disabilities in the digital economy but also expose businesses to legal risks and lost revenue opportunities.

Crafting the Future Together

At the heart of digital inclusivity is the development of an accessible design system. This system serves as a comprehensive library of reusable assets, guidelines, and patterns designed to ensure that all digital products are accessible from the ground up.

1. What is an Accessible Design System?

An accessible design system encapsulates a set of standards, best practices, and resources that guide designers and developers in creating products that are usable by everyone, including people with various disabilities. These systems cover a range of elements, from typography and color contrast to keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility.

2. The Role of Design Systems in Promoting Accessibility

Design systems like IBM’s Carbon Design System and Adobe’s Spectrum exemplify how organizations can embed accessibility into their digital infrastructure. By providing clear guidelines and ready-to-use components, these systems make it easier for teams to build products that are accessible by default.

Success Stories: The Impact of Accessible Design

Several organizations have demonstrated how investing in accessibility can lead to positive outcomes. For example, Microsoft’s inclusive design initiative has not only enhanced user experience for individuals with disabilities but also spurred innovation within the company. Similarly, Airbnb’s design system includes principles that ensure their platform is accessible to a wide audience, showcasing the business value of inclusivity.

The Path Forward

To truly embrace digital accessibility, businesses, and developers must prioritize the creation and implementation of accessible design systems. It involves a commitment to continuous learning, user testing with diverse groups, and an organizational culture that values inclusivity.

Resources for Further Learning

To deepen your understanding of creating accessible digital products, the following resources are invaluable:
- The A11Y Project: A community-driven effort to demystify web accessibility.
- WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind): Offers comprehensive resources on web accessibility techniques.

Conclusion: An Inclusive Digital Future

The journey toward digital inclusivity is ongoing, but with the right focus on accessible design systems and a commitment to ADA compliance, we can create a digital environment that welcomes everyone. By learning from successful case studies and leveraging comprehensive design systems, designers and developers have the tools to make inclusivity the norm rather than the exception.

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Spotlight on BNY Mellon Wealth Management: A Beacon of Accessible Design

An example of this commitment in action is BNY Mellon Wealth Management’s strategic initiative to develop an ADA-compliant design system.

Recognizing the diversity of its client base, the organization embarked on a comprehensive journey to ensure its digital offerings are accessible, placing its clients at the center of its design process.

Under the leadership of Anish Shah, and with significant contributions from our different team members specifically our Accessibility team lead Anil Verma, we, at BNY Mellon Wealth Management successfully created over 700 ADA-compliant components. This design library facilitates the development of products that meet a wide array of client needs and sets a benchmark for accessibility in the financial services industry.

Our approach to integrating accessibility into the foundation of their design system serves as an inspiring model for other organizations. By prioritizing client needs and continuously striving to meet ADA standards, BNY Mellon Wealth Management demonstrates how accessible design can lead to innovative solutions that benefit all nations.

Here is a link to the Digital Accessibility Foundation- Free Online Course and a quick guide to Build Basics.