Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is a powerful reminder of why digital accessibility matters. Celebrated each May, GAAD sparks conversations around how we can make the digital world a more accessible and inclusive space, especially for the growing population of people who utilize assistive technology for work and in their daily lives.
For people who are blind or have low vision, digital accessibility can mean the difference between independence and exclusion. Screen readers are essential tools that convert text to speech, allowing users to navigate websites and apps. But when digital spaces aren’t designed with accessibility in mind—missing image descriptions, unlabeled buttons, or poor keyboard navigation—these tools fall short, and so do the experiences.
Creating accessible digital content isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart, human-centered approach that benefits everyone. Clean design, clear language, and thoughtful structure make digital interactions smoother for all users, not just those using assistive technology.
This GAAD, staff at the Iowa Department for the Blind join the conversation about why digital accessibility is critical in today’s world.