Technology is evolving faster than ever, transforming how we connect, learn, and work. But too often accessibility gets left behind, forcing people with disabilities to adapt to systems that weren’t built with them in mind. The reality is, with all the tools and resources available today, making technology inclusive should be the standard—not an afterthought.
To better understand the impact of digital accessibility, we spoke with Alex Steinbrick, a college graduate and program participant in Helen Keller Services’ work-readiness training program. Alex has CHARGE syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects multiple systems, including vision, hearing, balance, and other physical functions. As a member of the disability community with low vision and hearing loss, Alex’s experiences shed light on the significant challenges posed by inaccessible digital design. His experiences highlight these obstacles as well as the power of inclusive technology in creating a more equitable digital world.
Q: Alex, can you share a bit about the tools and settings you use on your iPhone and iPad to help with accessibility?
I use a variety of settings on my iPhone and iPad to make things more accessible. For example, I have large print enabled, and I can adjust the screen contrast to suit my needs. I can switch between black-on-white, white-on-black, or other color variations. I also use a CCTV (closed-circuit television) system when needed. It’s a tool that allows me to magnify text and images. It’s similar to old school projectors we used to have in classrooms. I can even place my phone under the CCTV to magnify it. There are also smaller, portable versions for everyday use that I find helpful.
Q: How do you navigate websites and online content, like videos or articles? Are there any challenges you face?
Most websites are accessible to me through features like zoom and voiceover tools. I can enlarge text or use the screen reader to have articles read aloud to me. However, some websites don’t have good color contrast, which can be frustrating. For example, I once visited a site with a red background and gray text, which made it nearly impossible to read. In those cases, I’ve had to copy and paste the content into another program where I can adjust the text to make it more readable. It’s often a trial-and-error process, but thankfully, technology has come a long way in providing solutions.
Q: You mentioned the importance of accessibility in education. Can you tell us about your experience in college and how you navigated online materials?
In college, I had a Title IX coordinator who made sure all my classes were on the first floor and that I sat at the front of the classroom. For online materials, everything was accessible — I could download assignments, use Google Docs for papers, and submit everything digitally. The biggest challenge was with textbooks. They weren’t always formatted in a way that I could easily read. I had to zoom in and scroll through long passages just to find what I was looking for, which was time-consuming. Textbooks, especially digital ones, really need to be more accessible.
Q: Was there anything else that helped you with your experience at school, aside from the Title IX accommodations?
Yes, the accommodations extended beyond just physical accessibility. Professors who were aware of my needs would wear a Roger Pen microphone to help with hearing, and the classroom was designed to reduce noise. This was incredibly helpful because it ensured I could participate fully in the class. It made a huge difference in my ability to focus and stay engaged with the lessons.
Alex’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when accessibility tools are available and thoughtfully used. It also underscores a hard truth: even with today’s technology, digital access isn’t always guaranteed. It often takes extra effort—adjusting settings, finding workarounds, or leaning on others to fill the gaps. That shouldn’t be the case. Accessibility shouldn’t depend on how resourceful or tech-savvy someone is—it should be built in from the start. As much progress as we’ve made, there’s still a long road ahead. Digital accessibility is not a box to check off—it’s an ongoing responsibility. At The Viscardi Center, we’re here to help organizations do more than just meet the standard—we’re here to help them raise it.
Need help making your digital content accessible to all? The Viscardi Center’s team of Digital Accessibility experts are here to help. Simply complete our interest form to get started.
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Michael Caprara Chief Information Officer, The Viscardi Center |
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