Accessibility History

Inclusivity and accessibility go back to the beginning of human kind.

Accessibility has evolved greatly over time, especially with the advent of technology.

What is accessibility?

Accessibility refers to the design and implementation of products, services, and environments that are usable by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. In the context of digital content, accessibility means ensuring that websites, applications, and technologies are designed and developed so that people with disabilities can use them effectively, providing equal access and opportunity to participate and contribute.

Early Beginnings

The early beginnings of accessibility trace back to the mid-20th century when efforts began to make technology more accessible to individuals with disabilities. Below is a brief overview of that history:
  • Assistive Technologies: In the 1950s and 1960s, the first assistive technologies emerged, such as text-to-speech systems and braille displays, aimed at improving access to information for people with visual impairments.
  • Accessible Design Guidelines: The 1970s saw the development of early design guidelines focused on creating accessible physical spaces, such as ramps and curb cuts for wheelchair users, setting the stage for future accessibility standards.
  • Digital Accessibility Emerges: With the rise of personal computers in the 1980s, efforts began to adapt accessibility principles to digital interfaces. This era saw the development of screen readers and other tools to assist users with disabilities in navigating computer systems.
  • WAI and WCAG: The early 1990s marked a significant milestone with the establishment of the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). This led to the creation of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), first published in 1999, providing a framework for making web content more accessible.

Legislation

Major Accessibility Policy by Region:
United States

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
    • The ADA, enacted in 1990, is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. It has been interpreted to apply to digital content and services, ensuring that websites and mobile applications are accessible to all.

 

  • Rehabilitation Act Amendments (Section 508)
    • Updated in 1998, Section 508 mandates that all electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained, or used by the federal government be accessible, setting the standard for accessibility in government-related IT.
European Union
  • European Accessibility Act (EAA)
    • Adopted in 2019, the EAA aims to enhance the accessibility of products and services like computers, ATMs, and banking services across the EU.

  • Web Accessibility Directive
    • Since 2016, this directive mandates that websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies meet specific accessibility standards, ensuring inclusivity across digital platforms.