Can people understand you? Consider accessible writing
Accessible writing, Chrome Live Caption, and cultural identity through design
IN THE MARGINS
Progress Over Perfection
Accessibility is about progress, not perfection. It's never one-and-done. As technology improves, so does how we can use it. As the diversity and range of needs of people increase, so do our methods of approaching how to best serve them.
So if you see me screaming about CAPTION YOUR DAMN CONTENT, yet you feel overwhelmed about where to start, don't be shy to ask me for some 101 tips! I know I be on my "well, that's the LEAST they can do" shit, but I also know that everyone starts somewhere with accessibility. Even I am still learning!
A quick and easy place to start for business owners? Making small edits to your marketing language so that more people understand your messaging. Clear your desk and get out your notepad because we're talking about plain language in today's Accessibility Module. Class starts now!
ACCESSIBILITY
Google Chrome Live Caption
I might be late to the Google Chrome Caption game but in case anyone else is, here’s a tip! If you’re on using the Chrome browser on a desktop or laptop and you’re on a page that has video content, like YouTube or a news outlet, check the tool bar for the Live Caption button (a music note with lines coming out of it). Clicking this will turn on auto-generated content for the audio from the video.
The captions initially appear in a short box, about 2 lines tall, but you can expand it to fit more (about a paragraph).
I did notice a few less than stellar things however...
For me, in the U.S., it was only offered in English but hopefully it will expand to more languages
It didn’t work for all pages with video content, such as Twitter’s browser version
I didn’t see the function on the mobile version of Chrome
Accessible Writing
The Center for Journalism Ethics interviewed Rebecca Monteleone, assistant professor of disability studies at the University of Toledo, about her work centering disabled perspectives, the promise of plain language translation and re-considering who your audience is.
The article, “The Call For Plain Language”, made me consider if my own writing is accessible to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
I had the privilege of attending university. One of my degrees is in Philosophy so it was easy to get caught in a pretentious bubble of niche terminology and academic jargon. But now when working with clients or writing for my own business, I consider “would the general public understand this?”. Of course there is a time and place for your industry-specific language, such as at a seminar dedicated to your field. However, when addressing people outside of your bubble, especially if you’re trying to educate the general public, your language should be more easily understood. Do you define terms as you introduce them? Can you break down big concepts into a flow of digestible micro-concepts? Would people of different literacy levels or with a variety of comprehension skills understand your writing?
And no, accessible language doesn’t mean you have to “dumb down” what you’re talking about either: it’s the same delicious meal, just in different packaging. Packaging more people can open!
This plain language approach means I am learning more about writing in an accessible way. I’ll be diving into “Am I making myself clear?” - an introduction to accessible writing
Note: There are some dated tech references and questionable illustrations but the overall guidelines still seem to be applicable so I’ll be focusing on how I can incorporate those into my business.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Cultural Identity and Graphic Design
“Reclaiming Cultural Identity through Graphic Design” by Di Pajarillaga is a personal exploration into the influence of western colonialism in the Philippines’ design scene as well as the authentic identity of a Filipino designer. The publication explores how graphic design thrives in a developing country outside the constraints of western institutions. Pajarillaga says: “It’s still a work in progress, but I plan on publishing the entire essay in the near future in order to help build new resources for Filipino designers and be part of the change I’d like to see in this field”. (Source)
ART & DESIGN
Megacities & Climate Change
I recently learned a new word: scrollytelling! And with that came a beautiful, and functional, publication from Gabrielle Mérite, Data Visualization Designer, that explores the relationship of cities and climate change.
Did you know that despite having the same number of residents, Los Angeles's carbon footprint is more than 7 times that of Bangalore's? Titled “How Megacities Could Lead The Fight Against Climate Change”, this learn-as-you-scroll piece is about the stunning growth of modern megacities and how widely their carbon footprints vary. Just when I thought I was over parallax scrolling, Gabrielle’s work showed how you can balance data, engagement, and design in a way that’s impactful without invoking panic.
Signing off from the Starship SBLTN,
Laneen (Pronouns: she/they)
🎧 Listening - "Butter" by BTS (방탄소년단)
💬 Quote - “It's not about population sizes. It's about lifestyles.” - Gabrielle Mérite
📖 Reading - "Am I Making Myself Clear" - Guidelines for Accessible Writing
👀 Watching - “Design Is Capitalism” talk by Jennifer Daniel