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Article

Democratizing Digital Access for People With Disabilities

Discover how inclusive technology and digital access empower people with disabilities to connect, learn, and thrive in today’s digital world.

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In today’s world, technology touches every aspect of our lives—yet not everyone has access to reliable broadband, connected devices or the digital skills needed to fully participate. Millions of people in underserved communities remain disconnected and the digital divide can be even more pronounced within the disability community where individuals may also need specialized tools and resources to communicate effectively—both online and in person.

Why Digital Access Matters

Taken for granted by many, broadband internet isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. From education and employment to healthcare and community connection, digital access is a matter of equity, ensuring that everyone—regardless of income, age, location or disability—can fully participate in today’s digital world.

In the past decade, significant strides have been made through advocacy and legislation; national conferences; community forums and workshops in more than half of U.S. states during October’s annual Digital Inclusion Week; and device distribution to low-income recipients. 

Yet the Gap Persists:

  • As of 2023, approximately 12% of Americans—or about 40 million people—live in households without any internet connection (NTIA).
  • In 2021, a Pew Research Center poll found that 54% of approximately 61 million U.S. adults with a disability use the internet, compared to 81% of those without a disability.

Empowering People With Disabilities

For people with disabilities, accessible technology is key to greater independence and can mean the difference between isolation and staying connected.

According to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, digital inclusion depends on several key elements: 

  • Affordable broadband service.
  • Appropriate devices, such as computers, tablets and smartphones.
  • Digital literacy training.
  • Technical support.
  • Relevant content, applications and services.

Easterseals’ Accessibility Tech Tips 

Easterseals Southern California has created an Accessibility Tech Tips video series for iPhone or iPad, helping people with disabilities navigate and make the most of their technology.

Speak Your Way

Did you know your iPhone can actually speak for you—and in your own voice? Familiarizes viewers with the program that assists people who non-verbal or who have difficulty in speaking.

See Your Way

Reviews the program that assists people who have vision limitations to increase text size or change contrast; and to turn their iPhone into a magnifier for menus, labels and more.

Hear Your Way

Learn about the iPhone program that enables people with hearing loss to utilize their phone to receive alert communications for daily sounds like doorbells, alarms or even a crying baby; to set up instant captioning for phone calls, broadcasts and social media; and to receive LED flash alerts when receiving a notification.

Move Your Way

Utilize your iPhone via assistive touch, switch control or without ever touching the screen via head and eye movement.

Sensory Access Your Way

Utilize calming background sounds, filter out distracting noise and notifications and employ tools to ease motion sickness.

Take Action in Your Community

Bridging the digital divide is a call to action for all of us to advocate for equitable access, celebrate progress and to ensure that technology empowers everyone. Let’s commit to building a more inclusive digital future—one click, one device and one person at a time.

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