Freedom of speech, accessibility and responsibility
As I'm sure I have stated more times than I've had hot dinners, I love everything about design and technology, but there is a worrying trend in the digital age that requires urgent attention.
The ability for anyone to self publish through social media is a wonderful thing, and, used responsibly, has huge potential for giving voices to people and communities needed to effect change in the world. As a writer and human rights activist, I hold freedom of speech in the highest esteem, but it is this same freedom for which I advocate that is causing me concern. It has inadvertently created what I can only refer to as a breed of "self-proclaimed experts". This breed does not discriminate and their spawn are popping up everywhere on the Internet, in every sector and across the globe.
I have no problem with a bit of self promotion, but laying claim to expertise in areas you know little about is a very slippery slope whatever industry you are in; although I certainly disagree with such ethics, I am not so concerned about those who make harmless self proclamations, like being the worlds fastest basket weaver - I highly doubt this will lead to any real harm.
However, if such self proclamation adversely impacts on the lives of people who are most disadvantaged, then something must be done, and in the field of web accessibility, it seems that the old adage about a little knowledge being a dangerous thing is profoundly applicable. I never refer to myself as an expert, as I am always learning. I am very mindful and incessantly use disclaimers when I share what I learn along my journey. So, I am writing to implore any such accessibility experts to proceed with care and caution.
In recent weeks, I have read several articles by so called experts that are not only ill informed, but are just downright irresponsible and dangerous. These folk have stated opinion as fact, assumptions as truths and are using language that went out with the medical model of disability.
Web developers should not be advising on the machinations of specific impairments, especially those who use the terms "The Blind" or"dyslexics" or who assume that all people with any single impairment will interact with technology uniformly. In one article, the terms psychological disorders, mental illness and learning disabilities were used interchangeably and advice on how to deal with people with specific impairments was dispensed in bullet points. Hair ripping stuff.
People who are working and advocating around accessibility must share their knowledge and experience if older and disabled people are going to have a fighting chance of getting to experience great technology; I love it when open minds explore ideas and ideals outside of their comfort zones and write or speak about their experiences.
However, and this however is me waving my big white flag, please give freedom of speech the respect it deserves and when you exercise it, do so respectfully and responsibly.
About Sandi
Businesswoman Sandi Wassmer registered blind in 2008. In her blog, she shares with us the 'shenanigans of visual impairment'.
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Comments
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As I am a new comer and typically stay away from anything to do with thing involving the blind I came across your blog. I read it and then read it again. I enjoyed the style, analysis and perspective on the topic. As a personal in the United States with a background in Criminal Justce and being completely and totally blind, your article was both a great read and and intelectually stimulating...not to mention that I enjoyed the topic and appreciate your background in Human Rights. I would enjoy further reading as to what and how you became a human rights avtivist. In this humble Americcan's opinion I shall rate you with a two thumbs up, four forks and five stars!
Respectfully,Posted by Sunshine Lawson, 13 February 2012 (3 months ago)
