Digital accessibility training at Cardan: this is what Wesley thought of it
A training course on digital accessibility: what can you expect? I can tell you this step by step. But... This time, I'd like to take you through Wesley's experience story. Wesley took the training course "Digital Accessibility Advisor" at Cardan Technobility a few months ago, and got the certificate! I spoke to him about his experience of the training, as well as how he now applies digital accessibility in his organisation.
Wesley Eleonora has been representing a number of digital solutions providers since 2010, including SIM Group. He deals with all the projects, implementations and clients they have in the Caribbean. He manages all these accounts and takes care of both his partners in the Netherlands and the local users of these solutions on the islands. The variety is what makes it so much fun for Wesley!
How did you learn about digital accessibility?
"A few years ago, I noticed that several organisations were starting to focus on the physical accessibility of their buildings. However, when we talk about digital accessibility, there is often a misconception that this is about access to the internet and/or digital applications. While it actually encompasses much more". Wesley indicates that what makes it difficult is that there is no legislation for digital accessibility in Curacao 'yet', just like in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, Wesley does not want to wait until there is legislation.
A great example Wesley cites is from Alton Paas. His foundation advises and works to make organisations aware about physical accessibility. An initiative from someone with a disability who points out what goes wrong. Important bottlenecks are often skipped inside and outside public buildings. Things like markings, level differences and accessibility. Wesley explains that previously there was no body that did extensive research. Based on this, the foundation, together with a number of stakeholders, also introduced the necessary guidelines for accessibility in Curaçao.
An initiative that comes from the person, from people with a need.
Wesley Eleonora
Thresholds digital accessibility in Curaçao
Wesley cites several examples of large service providers. "You would expect such an organisation to lead by example. But unfortunately, there are several things that make it just really not accessible." Since there is no legislation mandating this, nothing is being done about it either. Wesley explains that there are 150 to 160,000 residents and the latest National Health Survey (dated 2017) shows that 9% of adults have a physical impairment in seeing, hearing and/or mobility. So organisations offering services digitally should definitely also be aware that no one should be excluded.
How did you get involved with Cardan?
"During the pandemic, like many, I had more time to delve into certain topics. Within SIMgroep in the Netherlands, my colleagues have been working on digital accessibility for quite some time. As a result, I started following certain pages on LinkedIn." This is also how Wesley ended up at Technobility. To learn more about WCAG, for example. "I wanted to take at least a basic training course and then attend more in-depth sessions step by step. I requested quotes from Technobility and other providers, but ultimately chose you guys because of the existing cooperation between SIMgroup and Cardan."
Wesley says he took the training with a particular view of the future. "I like to make decisions that are future-proof," he says. Besides providing Wesley with knowledge on digital accessibility, Wesley can give us many insights on accessibility on the islands in our Kingdom.
A highlight from the training
"Yeah, basically everything." Wesley says that while applying the different tooling, he thought, "Wow". "I learned about tooling for specific measurement about colour, intensity, and the direct effect of this on the digital customer journey. This was really so useful for me." Wesley also says that during the training they started working on checking whether accessibility has been taken into account in the development (programming code and content setup) of websites. For example, by having the read-aloud function over it. So as to also check whether alt texts are filled in or not. "I also caught myself not being consistent with providing alt-texts when publishing images," he says. He says the training made him more aware. That a website that looks top-notch on the front end is not necessarily accessible on the front and back end as well.
"That's fun to then apply that in practice, all those tools."
"It's fun to apply that in practice.
Wesley attended one-to-one online training with Bart. Due to the time difference, it was not practical for Wesley to participate with the groups. He also had two sessions with Marijn on applying digital accessibility as part of the organisation.
Future plans for digital accessibility within SIM
Within SIM Group, we have an ambassador for accessibility, namely Frits Karskens. "He is an important sparring partner for me when it comes to the mission and vision around accessibility and how our team can continuously propagate this. This knowledge and experience is not only valuable for our clients in the Netherlands, but also for those on the Caribbean islands." Through the cooperation between SIMgroep and Cardan, we are able to efficiently support our clients in accessibility projects. "We hope that the topic of digital accessibility will get the necessary attention, so that not only governments, but also citizens and suppliers of digital solutions realise its importance."
Soon SIM will organise "relationship days" on Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, where accessibility will certainly also be on the programme as a topic. In order to introduce other local service providers to digital accessibility, among other things. "My goal is to tell about it as often as possible, to create more awareness about the subject," he says.
How would you persuade people to get started with accessibility?
Everyone is watching, not just the people on the island. The whole world is watching. What Wesley means by this is that even though there are relatively fewer people with disabilities on the ABC islands, the islands are hugely popular from a tourism point of view. Medical tourism also wants to be promoted more. This will therefore increase the chances of someone with a disability visiting a website on the islands.
"Don't wait for a person to knock on the door who is affected. Organisations need to realise that the moment you put out information, not only the people without disabilities see it. But everyone."
"The islands, like other places in the world, have their own local challenges. For authorities, it is not easy anyway to address all priorities at once with limited resources," says Wesley. Nevertheless, there is an increasing focus on digital accessibility and inclusion among service providers and the public, especially as citizens themselves indicate that they want to do more things online and/or from home. "If we start at the basics now, we can ensure that future generations experience digital accessibility as standard."
We therefore hope that this development continues so that digital inclusion becomes possible for everyone. Wesley cites an example of the local treatment centres that attract both regional and international medical tourists. Like the local dolphin therapy centre: "People come from all over the world. Also children with certain disabilities. Their therapeutic programmes are for children and adults with different challenges, such as autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, anxiety disorders and PTSD. These seem to want to connect with dolphins." The websites here are not only visited by locals.
A "wow" moment for everyone
In Wesley's example, we see that even without obligations, the motivation for an accessible internet can be enormous. That during and after the training, knowledge and tools are applied in practice, which can give you a "wow" moment! Also curious about your "wow" moment? Take a look at this page with all trainings.
