Accessibility Belongs to People, Not Devices

Introduction

We've spent decades making products more accessible.

Perhaps it's time to make people accessible instead.

The Problem

Every new phone.

Every new laptop.

Every new meeting room.

Every new public space.

We configure accessibility again.

Why?

A Different Way of Thinking

Accessibility shouldn't belong to the device.

It should belong to the person.

Imagine...

You arrive at:

• a football stadium

• a hospital

• a university

• an airport

Nothing to configure.

Nothing to explain.

Your communication preferences are already available because you've chosen to share them.

One Accessibility Profile

Not your identity.

Not your personal information.

Just your preferred way to communicate.

For example:

• British Sign Language

• Captions

• Clear speech

• Preferred language

• High contrast

• Large text

• Audio description

Enhancing Accessibility: Advanced technology ensures communication adapts to individuals with tools like smart glasses, transparent displays, and holographic interfaces, creating a seamless experience anywhere.

The Device Doesn't Matter

Today:

Phone.

Tomorrow:

Smart glasses.

Transparent displays.

Mixed reality.

Technology we haven't invented yet.

Your accessibility stays the same.

Communication Stays Human

Instead of captions trapped at the bottom of a screen...

Communication stays with the speaker.

Eye contact remains natural.

Conversation becomes more human.

The Bigger Challenge

Technology isn't the biggest problem anymore.

Governance is.

Privacy.

Consent.

Choice.

Interoperability.

Trust.

Conclusion

Accessibility shouldn't be something we switch on.

It should travel with us.

Accessibility belongs to people, not devices.