On November 12th, IGNITION hosted its 5th Community of Practice (CoP) event, “Digital Accessibility in the Workspace Through Participatory Evaluation.” This inspiring online session brought together experts and practitioners to explore how inclusive research can drive educational accessibility and foster inclusivity in digital technology design.
The event featured a compelling keynote speech by Professor Benjamin Tannert from the University of Applied Sciences in Bremen. Drawing from his expertise in educational inclusion and accessibility, Professor Tannert highlighted the importance of empowering differently abled individuals and actively involving them throughout the development process of digital technologies.
Key Takeaways:
- The Challenge: Digital accessibility is often overlooked in technology design, with developers prioritizing functionality and quality over inclusivity.
- The Solution: Engage diverse users, particularly individuals with disabilities, at all stages of development through participatory evaluation and feedback.
- The Goal: Establish a comprehensive framework for creating digitally accessible technologies that promote inclusivity in workplaces and beyond.
Professor Tannert also showcased the impactful work of The Institute for Digital Participation (IDT) at Hochschule Bremen, emphasizing:
- Empowering individuals with disabilities by involving them directly in design processes.
- Striving for equal participation in the digital realm, especially in professional environments.
- Prioritizing inclusivity as a cornerstone of product development.
The event concluded with an engaging panel discussion, hosted by Professor Andreas Teufel, featuring insights from Dr. Mary Fenton of SETU. The discussion touched on digital accessibility at policy, teaching, and learning levels, offering meaningful perspectives on overcoming current challenges.
Missed the event? You can now access the recording and presentation materials to explore these valuable insights further: