Accessibility
It seems that in Latin America there are no
local legal initiatives that promote inclusion,
specifically in aspects such as web accessibility. But
this is something fundamental we should be taking
into consideration when working on a project
catering to a wide audience of users.
This happens at a macro level because as Latinos,
we are culturally used to being more reactive than
proactive. And this is linked to the fact there are no
legislative tools that involve transversal agreements
guaranteeing non-discrimination and inclusion at
a macro level. Focusing specifically on this part of
the world, today there are only three countries in
South America – Uruguay, Brazil and Ecuador – that
suggest a WCAG 2.0 AA standard for both public
and private sector software. Meanwhile, countries
like Chile, Bolivia and Venezuela recommend public
sector developments adhere to WCAG 2.0 level and
nations such as Argentina and Peru only have to
adapt to a level that ensures awareness of WCAG 1.0.
Having said that, it is important to mention that
most of the countries mentioned do not have agovernment organisation that effectively monitors
how web accessibility is being adapted in all the
public and private sector products developed. So,
at the end of the day, the ‘rules’ end up simply
being suggestions that organisations develop in an
accessible way. The absence of such control generates
several legal gaps, so that most of the people in
Latin America do not have the support to raise
lawsuits because they feel discriminated against by
several digital products and services developed in
their countries. Therefore, since there is no entity
specialised in the subject, little can be done at the
level of lawsuits and legal judgments that benefit
people with disabilities in this region of the planet.
As professionals within the technology industry,
we have no choice but to take responsibility for the
issue ourselves. Whether or not there are laws that
protect people with disabilities, we will continue to
be responsible for generating products that improve
people’s quality of life, rather than promoting
discrimination and segregation, both for Latin
America and for the world.UNLOCKING ACCESSIBILITY
IN LATIN AMERICA
Danitza Diaz-Zamora explores web accessibility in Latin America and the
professional opportunities that you might be missingP
ROFI
LEACCESSIBILITY
Diaz-Zamora is a product designer who specialises in accessibility. She
dedicates her time working on the development of products related to
the fintech industry.
t: @drawnitza