Web accessibility refers to the design and development of websites, tools, and technologies that people with disabilities can use effectively. This is done by making sure that website content and functionality are seamlessly accessible to all users, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities.

Assistive technologies are devices or software applications that are used to help people with disabilities access digital content, including websites. Some examples of assistive technologies for web accessibility are screen readers for users with visual impairments, magnifiers for users with low vision, and keyboard navigation for users with mobility impairments. Other examples include speech recognition software for users with limited dexterity, and captions and transcripts for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Making sure that websites are compatible and work together with these technologies is essential for ensuring web accessibility for all users.

Top tips to ensure basic web accessibility

There are several ways to ensure that your website is more accessible to users with disabilities and is compatible with assistive technologies. Here are some tips:

1. Use a clear and easy-to-read font type and size.
2. Make sure that all images have alt text descriptions that accurately describe what the image represents.
3. Avoid the use of color alone to convey information, as colorblind users may not be able to distinguish between them. Instead, use other visual cues, such as shapes or icons.
4. Use headings (eg H1, H2 etc) to structure your content properly and make it easier to skim through (particular for screen-readers).
5. Ensure that your website can be navigated using only a keyboard, as some users with disabilities may not be able to use a mouse.

See some more excellent tips and how to implement them, provided by the Berkeley Web Access team.

WCAG

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines - from the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) – detail extensive criteria for accessibility conformance. The guidelines explain both user-centric issues around text, sound and image, as well as technical aspects of mark-up to provide the necessary support for assistive technologies. They also set compliance objectives with 3 levels, from A (bare minimum) to AAA (top-level), along with validation tools to provide automatic evaluation.

Testing tools

There are several testing tools that you can use to check the accessibility of your website according to WCAG criteria.

One of the easier tools to use (for developers and non-developers alike) is the WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool. This is a free tool that checks your website for accessibility issues and provides visual feedback about errors and warnings.

Remember, accessibility is not just about following a set of rules, but it's a way of thinking about how to design a website that is inclusive for everyone. 

 

Sexual orientation refers to a person's enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions to men, women, both genders or neither gender. It's a complex and personal aspect of individual identity that is shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors.

Challenges faced in STEM

According to the LGBTQ+STEM Day, among their many struggles, we see that 28% of LGBTQ+ people have at some point considered leaving their jobs because of a hostile workplace or discrimination towards them. 20% of trans people had often considered leaving (2019 Exploring The Workplace For LGBT+ Physical Scientists), which is an abysmally high number.

One in three physicists in America has been urged to stay in the closet to progress in their career. Half of the transgender or gender non-conforming physicists were harassed in their own departments (2015 American Physical Society survey). Gay and bisexual students are less likely to follow an academic career (2018 Coming out in STEM: Factors affecting retention of sexual minority STEM students). To these statistics, we need to add barriers and issues specific to other underrepresented groups, which create a much bigger challenge for people with intersectional identities. 

Sexual orientation-based discrimination has zero-tolerance at CERN. We respect diversity and understand the importance of creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected regardless of their sexual orientation.

Want to know more?

• Systemic inequalities for LGBTQ professionals in STEM
• "History is Gay" podcast

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation of the human brain and nervous system, including differences in ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. This can include conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and many others.

The neurodiversity movement believes that we should focus less on trying to change these individuals or 'cure' them, and instead find ways to support them so that they can live fulfilling lives and thrive in society without having to conform to neurotypical standards.

One important approach is to promote understanding and acceptance of neurodiverse individuals. This can involve education about different conditions and their unique strengths and challenges. Additionally, providing accommodations such as flexible work arrangements, sensory-friendly environments, and assistive technologies can go a long way in supporting neurodiverse individuals.

Cultivating a culture of inclusion and recognizing the value of all individuals regardless of neurodiversity is crucial for creating a more just and equitable society.

Want to know more?

• Neurodivergent in STEM
• Neurodivergent conditions, and examples of reasonable adjustments in the workplace

Disability can be defined as a physical, mental or sensory impairment that affects a person's ability to perform daily tasks or participate in social activities. It can be caused by genetic factors, illness, injury, or other factors.

Disability is part of being human. Almost everyone will temporarily or permanently experience disability at some point in their life. An estimated 1.3 billion people – about 16% of the global population – currently experience significant disability (see World Health Organisation for more information).

The disability community is the largest diversity-equity group globally. It’s also one that many of us will join throughout our lifetime and is part of the human experience.

Want to know more?

• Understand the diversity of the disability community
• CERN Handbook: Disability & Inclusion in the Workplace
• "Disability Etiquette" poster - and more information - at Disability:IN.

Inclusive language is a way of speaking or writing that avoids using words or phrases that might exclude or offend particular groups of people. This kind of language acknowledges the diversity of humanity and helps build a more respectful and welcoming society.

The significance of language in both influencing and mirroring social culture, as well as the connections between individuals within it, cannot be overemphasized. When we write in a way which is clear, compassionate and respectful, inclusive language builds trust and allows us to communicate effectively.

At CERN

Following a recommendation by the Diversity Roundtable in 2020, and in collaboration between the Translation & Minutes Group and the HR Legal Services, the CERN Staff Rules and Regulations were revised in their entirety (English-language version) into a gender-neutral format.

• CERN Style Guides (French & English)
• People with disabilities: Appropriate terminology in brief

Want to know more?

A wide range of resources are available online, such as the Conscious Style Guide, the Diversity Style Guide, the UK government’s Guide to Gender-Neutral Drafting and the Content Style Guide, offering more guidance on gender-inclusive pronouns and other related issues.

The UK's Home Office has produced excellent and easy-to-read guidelines for inclusive language across a range of issues. It has also published a specific guide for writing about disability.

Oxfam has also released an excellent Inclusive Language Guide.

For multi-lingual needs, the United Nations has produced guidelines reflecting the specificities and unique features of the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.