Global Accessibility Day 2021
By Dominic Shaw on 20/05/2021
Today is 20th May 2021, Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).
For many, GAAD is a vital day in the calendar where the purpose is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about accessibility (Digital and in-person means), inclusion and people with different disabilities. By doing so accessibility issues can be considered, solutions be put in place, and most of all a great portion of underrepresented individuals are heard and seen.
Though we do acknowledge as a sector, video games can and should be doing more to be as accessible as possible both through the games we make and how we operate.
Many companies have started in recent years hiring accessibility roles in-house and/or accessibility consultants, though the common problem for many companies and organisations in the games industry is the lack of resources and education material to fully flesh out and explore various accessibility solutions within their games and workspaces.
With assistance from pledge supporter Many Cats Studios CIC, below we have listed a range of resources that any business, organisation and/or individual can consider and check out right now to start implementing accessible solutions within their products, services and work environments:
These are only some of the amazing resources available right now and only a few of the fantastic individuals making impact within accessibility for games, do use GAAD as an opportunity to shine a light on some of the amazing people and resources you know making video games more accessible.
Though it must be emphasis - don't just make GAAD the only time you focus on accessibility, ensure it is all year round so that more players can play your games while the talent that are supporting your game and the industry itself be more accessible get the spotlight they deserve too.
#RaiseTheGame stands to support and amplify the efforts of the games industry to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. For anyone with conditions, disabilities and impairments who read this - We hear you. We support you - you will always be welcomed and can find a safe space in the pledge.
Check out more articles around accessibility matters on the #RaiseTheGame blog like: