In the evolving landscape of the tech industry, diversity and inclusion are more than mere buzzwords – they are essential components driving progress and innovation. While attempts have been made in recent years to increase gender and racial representation in tech, the inclusion of disabled persons remains a pivotal yet often overlooked aspect of this broader conversation.

According to an Adobe study, 77 per cent of employees with disabilities feel their employers have improved support since the pandemic began. Yet, 84 per cent of all respondents, irrespective of disability status, think their colleagues would benefit from enhanced workplace accessibility.

Moreover, 75 per cent of the disability community considers accessibility and inclusivity as crucial when assessing job opportunities. These insights indicate that, despite advancements in the workplace and technological accessibility, there’s room for further improvement.

In the tech sector, leveraging diverse perspectives is essential for innovation. Representation of disabled individuals is not only ethically significant but also drives growth and dynamism. The concept of diversity and inclusion is not only about hiring people from all walks of life but creating an environment where they are valued and appreciated for their unique identities. 

A recent study by McKinsey & Company, Diversity wins: How inclusion matters, revealed that companies excelling in diversity and inclusion see a profitability increase between 25 per cent to 36 per cent. These companies also have superior employee retention and demonstrate a 20 per cent elevated rate of innovation compared to their counterparts.

In July, marking Disability Pride Month, the emphasis was on the importance of embracing individuals with disabilities, offering a moment of reflection on the state of inclusion in tech, and highlighting both challenges and initiatives taken by industry leaders. As a leading player in the tech ecosystem, GitHub shares how they are promoting inclusion and accessibility in their platform.

A commitment to inclusive development

On May 18, which was also Global Accessibility Awareness Day,  GitHub announced several product updates aimed at enhancing inclusivity and accessibility for its 100M+ developers.

Also Read: Building the rainbow bridge: How businesses can foster Diversity & Inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees

GitHub’s first Head of Accessibility, Ed Summers, says, “Today, there are over 650 million people in APAC living with disabilities and more than one billion people globally. I’m proud to be one of them. However, those of us with disabilities encounter barriers every day that we need to work around to live the life we want to live. The World Bank has labelled this situation ‘The Disability Divide’ and acknowledged technology as a ‘disruptive force’ that can enable the inclusion of people with disabilities.

“Technology has the potential to completely transform life for people with disabilities. But, if we want to make a real difference in accessibility, we’ve got to figure out how to get more people with disabilities on board as creators, incorporating their valuable insights and lived experiences into the mix.”

Summers, confronted with a degenerative retina condition, lost his vision twenty years ago and adapted to screen readers and other assistive technologies to navigate computer systems. Committed to furthering accessibility, his primary goal is to assist individuals with disabilities in maximising their potential in both the modern classroom and the 21st-century knowledge economy.

Grounded in his experiences, Summers asserts that involving individuals with disabilities in the software development process stands as a pivotal strategy to enhance accessibility and address the Disability Divide. This principle has underpinned his professional pursuits for the past decade.

“In August 2022, I started my professional journey as Head of Accessibility at GitHub. Every day I’m excited to be here because GitHub has a critical role to play in improving accessibility and disability inclusion for developers globally,” remarked Summers. 

GitHub’s accessibility program aims to support individuals with disabilities in software development. The initiative begins with the company’s hiring practices and includes training for all employees on accessibility protocols. The platform is being adapted to accommodate developers with disabilities, and GitHub collaborates with these developers to understand their specific requirements. 

The GitHub team has implemented several accessibility improvements, including a primary navigation experience designed with accessibility in mind and a fast code search compatible with screen readers. Looking ahead, GitHub Copilot, an AI tool for developers, has introduced an experimental feature called GitHub Copilot Voice, enabling coding through voice and potentially assisting developers with hand-typing challenges.

The company is also working with external partners and the open-source community to further its goals for disability inclusion. GitHub commits to maintaining its focus on accessibility, providing updates on its progress, and addressing community feedback.

Personal triumphs highlight industry-wide potential

While we discuss the advancements in assistive technology and the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in software development, it’s crucial to illustrate these points with real-world examples. Let’s consider the story of Becky Tyler to provide a firsthand perspective.

Becky Tyler’s journey in coding began uniquely: she navigates the digital world entirely with her eyes, from live streaming and drawing to writing code. Her interest originated from gaming, especially Minecraft. While studying computer science at the University of Dundee, she explored open-source software and collaboration.

Initially, Becky interacted with video games through Special Effects, a nonprofit focusing on accessibility. However, the assistive equipment’s limitations led to her seeking enhanced tools. In response, developer Kirsty McNaught, in conjunction with Special Effect, integrated OptiKey’s eye gaze tracking with EyeMine, an interface tailored for players with disabilities. As a beta tester, Becky’s passion for coding was kindled, realizing she could address many accessibility challenges firsthand.

Also Read: How and why you should embrace neurodiversity at the workplace

Becky’s story is similar to that of many other developers, but with one exception – the standard way of using a computer was inaccessible to her. Her journey underscores the transformative potential of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities and the importance of their involvement in the development process.

The intersection of tech and inclusivity

Diversity and inclusion are evolving past mere social responsibility markers. Companies increasingly understand that aiding employees with disabilities through necessary infrastructure and assistive technology not only boosts credibility but also spurs innovation. 

A diverse and inclusive organisational culture augments value and productivity while opening doors for a broader talent pool. This results in a new ecosystem that enables fresh ideas and encourages a progressive approach to roadblocks.

“I hope to see more advances in assistive technologies in the coming years. This includes more sophisticated and accessible tools that cater to a wider range of disabilities, enabling seamless participation in various aspects of life and work. I also hope to see even more opportunities open up for disabled individuals in the tech industry.

“By taking proactive steps like implementing accessible workplace design and inclusive policies, organisations can enable disabled individuals to have more meaningful and fulfilling careers in tech. My vision is a future where people with disabilities play a vital role in shaping technological innovations, making society more inclusive and prosperous for everyone,” said Summers.

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