After watching and reading material on accessibility and openness on the web, I want to discuss my thoughts.
Openness
Why?
Being open on the web can be very beneficial to everyone. People can gain a lot of knowledge from other’s willingness to share openly. Openness on the web gives people the ability to connect with numerous individuals worldwide. We are more aware and have knowledge of a lot of things we might not have known if the internet wasn’t as open and accessible. The open web has given everyone the ability to learn new skills, articulate their opinions, and hear advice from a variety of people.
Here’s a link that discusses more on this topic:
What It Means to Provide a Free and Open Internet and Why It’s Important
How?
The people who want to share would have to make sure their post is accessible globally and to all. This can really make a huge impact by making sure everyone is aware and educated about certain subjects that it can make an impact on society. For example, some people don’t watch the news, but they are on social media a lot. Content creators on platforms like YouTube, Tiktok, Instagram, etc. can share and talk about important topics on the news. Another example could be on how to tie a tie. Maybe someone’s father never taught them, so it is great that there is a lot of content that they could watch or read that can teach them a skill that will be very handy for most adult men. One more example is if someone wants to expand their business, there is plenty of material online that can aid in their success.
Accessibility
Why?
One has to make sure content is accessible to ones with disabilities to avoid committing discrimination. Everyone has the right to be able to access content on the web. Doing this will ensure that your content is not just limited to certain groups of people. Making content accessible is not only beneficial to people with disabilities, but the person/people posting the content as well. It is beneficial because it will cause a lot more people to view the content. The content creator will also avoid costly lawsuits from the people who feel like they’ve been wronged.
This link can go more in depth on this concept:
Why is Web Accessibility Important for Your Small Business Website?
How?
One can do their research and even use online platforms/tools to help them in the process. The internet has gotten so advanced that there are many web browsers and authoring tools that help users with disabilities. Tools that can help make content more accessible include headers, transcripts, alternative texts for images, and keyboard input.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I believe the internet is and should be for everyone. We all have the right to be able to access and benefit from all it gives. From the beginning days of the open web, many might have been unaware of the impact it could have on people and society as a whole. Through the years, content creators had to adapt to the changing and more inclusive society. We have access to the whole world of information and continue to connect, learn, and share.
