diff --git a/astro/src/content/blogs/gaad-2026.mdx b/astro/src/content/blogs/gaad-2026.mdx new file mode 100644 index 00000000..3be23692 --- /dev/null +++ b/astro/src/content/blogs/gaad-2026.mdx @@ -0,0 +1,25 @@ +--- +title: Happy GAAD 2026! +description: >- + Thursday, May 21, is Global Accessibility Awareness Day - also known as GAAD. It's a day dedicated to + encouraging people to think about digital access and the billions of people living with disabilities. +published: 2026-05-21 +tags: + - announcements +author: esther-klang +--- + +Thursday, May 21, is [Global Accessibility Awareness Day](https://accessibility.day/) - also known as GAAD. It's a day dedicated to encouraging people to think about digital access and the billions of people living with disabilities. + +GAAD started in 2012 and has grown into a worldwide effort. The idea is straightforward: if more people know about accessibility, more people will do something about it. + +Here are a few ways to mark the day: + +* **Try a screen reader** \- NVDA is free on Windows, and VoiceOver is built into Apple devices. Even 10 minutes gives you a real sense of what blind and low-vision users navigate every day. +* **Run a quick accessibility check** - _ta11y.org_ has checklists and evaluations you can actually use, not just read about. +* **Post about GAAD** \-use **\#GAAD** and **\#GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDay** to add your voice to the conversation. +* **Learn one thing** \- that's it. One new thing about accessibility today is a win. + +Discover relevant resources for your projects by visiting [_ta11y.org_](https://www.ta11y.org/). + +Happy GAAD from all of us at _Accessible Community_. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/astro/src/content/blogs/what-blindness-is.mdx b/astro/src/content/blogs/what-blindness-is.mdx new file mode 100644 index 00000000..a9b97ec9 --- /dev/null +++ b/astro/src/content/blogs/what-blindness-is.mdx @@ -0,0 +1,97 @@ +--- +title: "What Blindness Is and How It Affects People" +description: Blindness is part of human diversity. It affects how people access information, move through the world, and connect with others. +published: 2026-05-25 +tags: + - education +author: esther-klang +--- + +On _Accessible Community’s_ [A 'Day in the Life' podcast](/podcasts/), we have been exploring blindness and low vision. This post shares clear information about what blindness is and why **inclusion matters**. Blindness is part of human diversity. It affects how people access information, move through the world, and connect with others. + +## What Blindness Is + +Blindness is a spectrum of vision loss. It is not one single experience. Definitions vary, but blindness generally refers to severe vision loss that affects how a person accesses the world. It can involve: + +* How clearly a person can see (visual acuity) +* How much of their visual field they can use +* Whether any vision remains after correction, such as glasses or contacts +* How the brain processes visual information + +You may also hear **low vision**, which refers to vision loss that interferes with daily activities and cannot be fully corrected. And **legal blindness** is a legal category in the U.S. used to determine eligibility for certain services. It does not fully describe what someone can or cannot see in everyday life. + +**There is no single way to be blind.** Many blind people retain some vision. The details matter. + +## How Blindness Can Look Different + +Blind and low-vision people experience the world in many different ways. Not everyone experiences all of the following. + +### Vision and Perception + +* Some people have no usable vision. +* Others have light perception, limited central vision, or limited peripheral vision. +* Vision can change over time or vary depending on lighting and environment. + +### Access and Information + +* Some use screen readers, braille, or audio output to access digital content. +* Others use screen magnification, high contrast settings, or large text. +* Many use a combination of tools depending on context and preference. + +### Navigation and Orientation + +* Some use a white cane, a guide dog, or orientation and mobility training. +* In digital spaces, people rely on keyboard navigation, skip links, and well-labeled menus. +* Barriers often come from poor design, not from the person. + +**These differences are not deficits.** Most barriers arise from environments that were not designed with blind and low-vision people in mind. + +## Blindness Across the Lifespan + +Blindness is often discussed as if it only affects a small or specific group. But blind and low-vision people are children, teens, adults, and elders. They work in every field and live in every community. + +Vision loss can be present from birth or develop over time. It can be caused by a health condition, injury, or aging. Some people lose vision gradually. Others experience sudden change. Support needs, tools, and strategies can shift throughout a person’s life. + +Access to assistive technology, rehabilitation services, and inclusive spaces is important at every age. Blindness does not define what a person can do. Access does. + +## Language Matters + +Many blind people prefer identity-first language, such as “blind person.” Others prefer person-first language, like “person with blindness” or “person with low vision.” **The most respectful choice is to use the language a person chooses for themselves.** + +Avoid language that frames blindness as a tragedy or loss. Steer away from phrases like “suffers from” or “confined to” darkness. Focus on **access, tools, and inclusion.** + +**Use:** blind person, person who is blind, low vision (when accurate) + +**Avoid:** “the blind,” “suffers from,” “lost their sight,” or framing blindness as tragedy + +## What Inclusion Looks Like in Daily Life + +Inclusion is practical. It shows up in design choices, communication habits, and how we build digital and physical spaces. + +* Use real headings in the right order so screen readers can navigate. +* Write descriptive link text. Avoid “click here” or “learn more.” +* Add useful alt text to images. Describe the purpose, not just the appearance. +* Label all form fields and buttons with an accessible name. +* Make sure all functions work with a keyboard alone. +* Do not rely on color alone to convey meaning. +* Make documents accessible: use real text, not images of text, with real headings and lists. + +**These practices help blind and low-vision people thrive.** They also make content clearer and easier to use for everyone. + +## Listening to Blind and Low-Vision Voices + +Blind and low-vision people are the experts on their own lives. **Their voices improve** the media, products, research, and services we all use when we include and compensate them for their expertise. + +The [A 'Day in the Life' podcast](/podcasts/) brings forward real experiences from people living with blindness and low vision. These stories remind us that there is no single blind experience. **There are many stories, told by those who live them.** + +## What You Can Do Next + +Listen to this month’s **Day in the Life** episodes focused on blindness and low vision: + +* [Blindness with Mike Hess](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568061/episodes/18851844) +* [Blindness with Diogo Melo](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568061/episodes/19059896) +* [Blindness with Florian Beijers](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568061/episodes/18934277) +* [Blindness with Cori Perlander](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568061/episodes/19016052) +* [Blindness with Beth](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568061/episodes/18991873) + +**Blindness is part of our community.** When we design for access, everyone benefits. \ No newline at end of file