Tech team tools to help keep in touch
AMACCLESFIELD tech firm has created an online tool kit to help organisations improve the inclusivity of their communications during the Covid crisis.
Bosses at Sigma, on Newton Street, say images and videos on TV, news outlets and social media during the coronavirus outbreak have often lacked translation and explanation for with disabilities.
These include the government’s daily briefing and information published by healthcare bodies.
So Sigma has produced a toolkit that includes information on the importance of video captions, transcripts of audio and video clips, image and video descriptions.
The guide also features free tool suggestions and walkthroughs of how to start applying them to content.
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Hilary Stephenson, managing director at Sigma, said: “It is fundamental that everyone in society has the same access to information, especially in situations like the current Covid-19 pandemic.
“Information that could prevent the spread of the virus and even save lives is inaccessible to many with disabilities, as it does not consider the needs of all users. It is a health risk for individuals to not be fully informed.
“There are more than 1 billion people living with some form of disability worldwide, with 14.1 million living in the UK.
“We urge all content creators to consider these tools and steps when creating and sharing content. Not only for those registered with a disability, but those who are not yet registered, as well as our ageing population, which is at higher risk of the virus.
“Increasing inclusivity could mean the difference between life and death.”