The Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) is proud to celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day by joining together with Recite Me to raise awareness of the importance of creating a digital world which is open and accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they have a disability.

So much of our lives now takes place online and this has only been accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic; it is more important than ever to ensure that people with disabilities, including people with learning disabilities and sensory impairments, are able to access online content in a way that adapts to and meets their needs.

This Thursday 20th May marks Global Accessibility Awareness Day’s 10^th anniversary. A key date in the calendar to get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) World Report on Disability, 15% of the world’s population are living with a disability. Of this number, it’s estimated that 1 in 5 people do not have access to the assistive technology they need.

Every online user deserves a first-rate digital experience. Someone with access needs due to disabilities or sensory impairments should be able to experience web-based services, content, and other digital products with the same successful outcome as those without disabilities.

To support all of our website users, we have created an inclusive website which allows users to customise their online experience in a way that works best for them.

Through joining Recite Me we are on a mission to create an inclusive digital world enabling everyone ease of access to our online information and resources.

Over the past 12 months together Recite Me has seen over 2 million people using the toolbar across various organisations and businesses, viewing over 10 million pages in a way that best suits their individual needs.

As an organisation that works with people with learning disabilities, we are always striving to be as accessible as possible. Having the Recite Me toolbar on our website is a great way to ensure that our content can be adapted and made accessible to all our website users.

Libby, Digital Communications Adviser, SCLD

When visiting our website people can use our accessibility and language support tools to create a unique and customisable user experience. Support options include text to speech functionality, fully customisable styling features, reading aids, and a translation tool with over 100 languages, including 35 texts to speech voices and many other features.

Together we can build an inclusive online world. This starts by creating awareness on an individual or organisational level and helping others to understand the opportunities presented by inclusion, we can all make a positive difference together.

Join the journey to a more inclusive digital world!

Access SCLD’s Recite Me Tool bar under ‘Accessibility Tools’ in the top left of the homepage.