Inclusivity isn’t anything easy to come by. I’m well aware of the efforts involved. In fact, I feel completely justified in declaring, more than most. And not in the capacity that I assume most might expect — there’s that ugly word “assume” again. Rather I’m coming at inclusion from the other side. Not having to accommodate, but needing to be accommodated.
I needed to be more like the mainstream enough to participate in… well… the mainstream. Meaning I had to adapt the way I behaved in order to make somewhat productive use out of a computer, generally, but the internet, specifically. (Which may sound vague at this point, granted, but Ill be addressing this in much more detail very soon in upcoming blog posts. Please bear with me.)
Don’t get me wrong, there was, and still is, a certain amount of technology needed to be able to interact with the internet — as there most obviously is with any individual. And the onus wasn’t entirely on me. What I’m saying is behavior and technology are never a mutually exclusive means to any end. Neither is to blame. They both are. It’s a fact we need to come to terms with and accept before “we” attempt to improve anything. Nothing is, or ever will be, perfect.
We all, as people looking to build a better civilization, and designers on the web especially, need to be astutely cognizant of and actively work towards welcoming diversity. Or in other words, specifically in the context that is this site and my “mission,” web accessibility will always need to be actively pursued, the why’s and how’s must be understood, and needs purposefully (en)abled. There are a slew of different reasons for anything happening or not happening. Working or not working. Nothing is ever this or that. True or false. Yes or no. There is plenty in between. And that’s where the interesting shit happens.
The time I’ve spent on the internet these past 13 years or so has not been “easy,” by any means, but well worth every bit of energy I’ve ever given it. For myself, obviously, but others, who’ve cared enough to ask and have chosen to learn from my experiences, as well.
Therefore that’s precisely what this is, as I said, on my about page, not only a blog dedicated to web accessibility, but it’s, most importantly, a platform for learning. Both for anyone who’d like to read my writing and mine, especially. I won’t pretend to know it all. Few, if any, realistically do. I’ll admit, I’m working at quite the handicap — knowledge towards web accessibility I mean. If you ever have any questions, comments or, most importantly, corrections feel free to add whatever you feel is necessary through the blog or write me directly. It will all be very much appreciated.
The fight for universal web accessibility is far from over. In fact it’s just starting to get interesting. There’s still lots yet to debate, understand (as there always will be), try and decide on. We’re all in this together. And we have so much to gain from this journey…