How "Usable by All" aims to make the World better for 16% of humanity?

In an ideal world every individual should have the right and the means to pursue: happiness, aspirations and economic prosperity, However, this is not the case as our public infrastructure and digital services have been built mainly to cater to the general public.

If we consider the user interface of a typical web application, we see that it features a low-contrast UI/UX, which makes it difficult to use for someone with advanced cataract or some other form of vision impairment. This level of difficulty which could easily have been resolved through considerate design, impacts people's lives in many ways. It makes them under-productive, prevents them from acquiring essential services at the right time, forces them to be dependent on others and undermines their aspirations.

According to a March 2023 report of the World Health Organization, there are estimated 1.3 billion people who have significant disability. WHO’s data indicates that existing public infrastructure and digital services may not be suitable for about 16% of human population. As it is a lot easier for architects, interior designers and front end developers to cater to the needs of the 84% general population.

Through rampant pursuit of inconsiderate design, we have created a world that does not offer a level playing field to people with special needs. 'Usable by All' seeks to provide equal opportunity to all, by making public infrastructure and digital services convenient enough for independent use by all people with sensory impairment and mobility issues. Through advocacy, activism and direct involvement, we hope to make the World usable by all.

'You can read about our long-term goals in UBA Action Plan, If you can connect with the need that UBA is trying to fulfill, then we invite you to support us through ideas, funding and 'word of mouth'.
 

• To communicate your interest in funding visit Contribute to UBA.
• To share your (or someone else's) usability experience while using public infrastructure / digital service visit Usability Experience
• To be a part of UBA community visit https://usablebyall.org.nationaldigital.co.in/

At this point of time, UBA is just a concept on paper and on a rudimentary website. However, with support from people who believe in this cause, we hope to make the initiative successful and bring positive difference to lives of people with special needs.

Disclosure: UBA.org website is not inline with usability factors that we advocate. We've used 'off the shelf' software to build the website and we hope to make it UBA compliant soon.