Critical Accessibility Theory
taught by: Crystal Preston-Watson
Session Summary
It is impossible to attain accessible technology until we acknowledge ableism in technology's creation, design, and innovation. In this session, participants will learn about Critical Accessibility Theory, its four central tenets, and how to use that knowledge to help companies, organizations, and practitioners progress toward truly accessible technology for people with disabilities.
Description
Find Critical Accessibility Theory on the Knowbility Learning Center
The four tenets of Critical Accessibility Theory:
1. Ableism is structural and systematic within companies and organizations and thus prevents true accessibility from being achieved.
2. Accessibility work only begins in earnest when the work benefits a majority without disabilities and often fails to address inaccessibility fully.
3. The experiences of disabled people with technology are often told by those outside the community and filtered and changed to better fit popular narratives leading to solutions that aren’t needed or undesired.
4. Disability is viewed monolithically and not intersectional which leads to incomplete solutions and creates further problems
Instructor will present virtually.
This session will feature pre-recorded material that will be shown at the beginning of the session, followed by live practice or Q&A with the instructor.
Practical Skills
- Understand the four tenets Critical Accessibility Theory
- Develop a strategy/action plan to incorporate the four tenets in organizational policy and product design.