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Creating an Inclusive Tech Haven for Blind Veterans
In a world where the digital landscape feels like a maze of inaccessible barriers, there's a glimmer of hope shining through the efforts of organisations like Blind Veterans UK, a charity that helps vision-impaired ex-servicemen and women rebuild their lives after sight loss by providing rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support to veterans regardless of how or when they lost their sight. Their quest for inclusivity in the tech sector isn't just a mission; it's a lifeline for those who've served our country and who now face the daunting challenge of navigating a digital world without sight. Picture this: an ex-serviceman or woman, once accustomed to the vast expanses of the physical world, suddenly finds themselves thrust into the world with a visual impairment. They are now disabled by the world, not by their impairment, because our society isn’t set up for someone who’s blind. But amidst this uncertainty, there's Blind Veterans UK, offering a guiding hand, a beacon of support, and now, a gold-standard accessible website with help from Reason Digital.
Accessibility isn't just about adhering to guidelines; it's about empowering individuals to reclaim their autonomy. Blind Veterans UK understands this implicitly. For them, accessibility isn't a checkbox; it's their entire ethos woven into the fabric of their existence. Their website isn't merely a virtual space; it's a gateway to independence. But creating such a website wasn't a simple task. It required a deep understanding of the diverse needs within the visually impaired communities that Blind Veterans supports. From combat veterans grappling with trauma to elderly individuals facing age-related sight loss, the spectrum of experiences is vast. Reason Digital and Blind Veterans UK embarked on a journey of co-design, consulting experts in their own experiences every step of the way.
Imagine being able to read a clock for the first time in years, thanks to a speaking wristwatch. That moment of revelation, that 'penny drop' experience—that's what Blind Veterans UK aimed to recreate with their website. It wasn't just about information dissemination but about instilling hope and fostering empowerment.
The project began as a collaborative effort fuelled by empathy, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of inclusivity. Through immersion sessions, user research, and iterative testing, the new Blind Veterans website took shape, guided by the voices of those it aimed to serve. The result was a website that exceeds WCAG standards, gaining accreditation from AbilityNet and endorsement from the BBC. From intuitive navigation to customisable contrast toggles, every element was meticulously crafted to cater to diverse needs. And it didn't stop there. By integrating accessibility directly into the design, Blind Veterans UK ensured that their website was a house where accessibility resides rather than just another site reachable by a set of accessibility tools, welcoming all who sought its support.
But accessibility isn't a one-time achievement; it's an ongoing journey. As Blind Veterans UK embarks on phase two of its project with us, the quest for inclusivity continues. It's a testament to their unwavering commitment to those they serve—and it’s a commitment mirrored by us, their partners, who understand that true accessibility is as much an art as it is a science.
As we celebrate strides towards equal representation in the tech sector, let us remember those whose voices often go unheard. Let us continue to pave the way towards a future where technology knows no barriers—a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive. And let Blind Veterans UK serve as a shining example of what's possible when empathy, innovation, and inclusivity converge to create a brighter future with the technology of today.
Authors
Sam Fox
Sam Fox is a Digital Strategist, his specialities include qualitative user research, guided workshops and data analysis. He has a magic touch when editing reports or articles and can ‘Connect the dots’ with disparate information. He is passionate about social mobility educational opportunities and has volunteered with the Sutton Trust for 8 years.