#TeamGuidant celebrates Global Accessibility Awareness Day

By Alexa Bradbury, Global Marketing Director

​As a Disability Confident leader, it’s important that our roles are accessible for everyone, which was why we introduced website accessibility software tool, Recite Me, back in 2017.

To celebrate the 10th Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we’ve joined forces with Recite Me to highlight the importance in building an accessible digital world for all, so that more than one billion people with disabilities can access online content, barrier-free.

Particularly since COVID-19, many of us have found ourselves relying more on technology than ever before
Whether we are working from home, ordering our weekly food shop, or staying in touch with friends and family, many of us have enjoyed the ease and accessibility various digital services have brought. However, what’s less apparent is that 15% of the world’s population lives with a disability, and of that number, one in five people do not have access to assistive technology that they need.

Unlocking a significant talent pool
Having a diverse workforce brings about a range of benefits from fostering innovation, better financial performance, longer talent tenure and empowering people within the business.

This has never been more prevalent in the age that we live in where the majority of the initial recruitment and job application process is so readily available online, a huge number of people are at a disadvantage, purely due to accessibility, and companies are missing out on tapping into a significant pool of talent.

Creating a first-rate digital experience for all
It goes without saying that disabilities come in many visual and hidden forms, so no matter what form of impairment a candidate might have, their digital job application experience should be the same as candidates without disabilities.

Guidant Global are proud to have implemented Recite Me’s accessibility solution across our websites, which enables both our customers and candidates to experience our sites and content in a way that works for them.

Part of Recite Me’s accessibility solution includes text to speech functionality, fully customisable styling features, reading aids, and a translation tool with over 100 languages, including 35 texts to speech voices and many other features.

In the last 12 months, Recite Me has seen over two million people using their toolbar, allowing an enhanced online experience for over ten million pages.

Together we can build a more inclusive online world
This starts by creating awareness on an individual and organisational level by helping others understand the number of opportunities diverse workforces bring. Together, we can make a positive difference by creating a more inclusive world.

Learn more about how you can make online recruitment accessible for all through our guide created in partnership with Recite Me here.

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About Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)
The 20th of May 2021 marks 10 years since GAAD have been raising awareness around creating a first-rate digital experience for everyone whilst educating individuals and businesses on the significance of access and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Come join our inclusive global team and experience work #ABetterWay >​