Being able to independently use the internet gives disabled people access to vital medical, travel, financial services. But also everyday services like grocery shopping and buying clothes online.
There are nearly 14 million disabled people in the UK, but we’re still putting barriers in front of them in the online world.
Study Findings
The Scope team recently presented at the TechShare Pro Conference 2019.
Hosted by Ability Net and Google, Scope for Business team shared the stage with Apple, Microsoft and other technology industry leaders.
The team launched the results of their most recent study into the business case for inclusive design. It’s the first part of our broader research into how inclusive design affects how disabled people spend their money.
Read The business case for inclusive design
Amongst these findings was the alarming fact that half of the disabled people surveyed who experienced problems buying goods or services through a website or app ended up not buying the product.
Online accessibility feedback from our Reporting Tool
Scope for Business website was launched in a beta testing phase in July 2019. Since then we have been gathering responses from disabled people through our online survey.
Here is just some of the feedback we have already received about disabled people’s experiences with digital accessibility.
The most frustrating thing about using the internet as a disabled person
“Having to root around business or public service websites to find their accessibility information, which often they don’t actually list. Things like if they have steps or lifts and being forced to email, waiting several days, phoning or just not using them then spending hours finding an alternative. Websites should provide information. Clearly. Upfront. In an easy to navigate and read way.”
“Not everything is compatible with a screen reader.”
“Sites that claim to be disabled-friendly, such as TFL, and are not – then having to fight this, which can involve a tremendous struggle.”
“I find that the most frustrating part of the internet for me would be the increasing number of websites with a ‘cool’ look that affects usability. Form over function.”
How people feel when they cannot complete a task online
“It makes me feel like I’m being penalised for being disabled”
“It makes you feel frustrated because using online applications is supposed to be easier.”
“Frustrated, unwell, anxious and defeated”
“It actually makes you feel stupid and that you unnecessarily wasted your limited energy leading to fatigue for the rest of the day without accomplishing the task.”
What would you like to do online that you cannot because of accessibility barriers?
“I’d like to be able to deal with more things online without having to phone people – my autism makes phone calls difficult, especially since I have auditory processing issues.”
“I would like to be able to watch more videos online but I miss out on many due to the fact that such a high number are without subtitling.”
“I want to book wheelchair spaces for EVERYTHING online. Cinema. Theatre. Train. Taxis. Everything. I want to be able to book online. Easily. Not on the phone. Not via email over several weeks with a phone call later. I want all of it to be bookable online and easily.”
We would like to thank everybody who has taken part so far.
Scope’s research panel has 1,700 disabled people and parents of disabled children. This is a great way to test your products and services.