It is not only in digital form that the diversity of people must be recognized and taken into account!

Sweden is a pioneer in many things. But the Scandinavian country does not represent Europe. However, there is also no country that can be regarded as a positive overall example in the topic of Inclusion. Susanna Laurin from Funka knows why digital accessibility is a way to participate and why research in the field of disabilities and information and communication technology is so important. With REHACARE.com the research and innovation officer, who is also representative of G3ict/IAAP at the European Commission, talked about her job at the Swedish company and why every individual can contribute something to the participation of people with disabilities.

Which topics would you describe as the core topics of your work at Funka?

Susanna Laurin: Funka’s core business is accessibility and what we do most is digital accessibility. In today’s world, most parts of life is one way or another related to internet, so the topic is increasingly important to most people. I lead our Reseach & Innovation team, but I am also performing strategic consultancy assignments, policy-related work, standardization and many other things that I enjoy and find extremely stimulating – and important.

To me, the web is a tool for inclusion and independence. I am interested in technology but the most valuable part of my work is when I see persons with disabilities get better opportunities in their life, often thanks to the work we do at Funka. I can’t think of anything more rewarding.

Why does research play such a big role in Funka's work?

Laurin: Because far too little is known about disabilities and information and communications technology! We pride ourselves with saying that everything we recommend is tested in real life, and we do walk the talk. It is also key for us to constantly try new things and investigate how we can improve solutions.

Which research projects have been particularly interesting in the past? Or which ones do you particularly like to remember and why?

Laurin: There are so many! One interesting topic is understandable content, partly because it affects so many users, also outside of the typical disability environment, like persons with another mother tongue. Partly also because standards and regulations mostly cover the technical parts of web accessibility – but not much about the understandability of the content. If you can access but not understand information – what’s the point?

Which topics or projects will be tackled in the future?

Laurin: In the future, anything can happen. But right now we are focusing on cognitive accessibility, hidden disabilities and capacity building for the future – training students at university as well as persons with disabilities to become web accessibility experts, so that demand of competence in the area can be better met in the (near) future.

In your experience, what challenges and barriers do people with disabilities face in everyday life?

Laurin: That highly depends on the country or region. But generally, persons with disabilities are less likely to be employed and many struggle with inaccessibility in higher education. The challenges range from lack of awareness and lack of accessibility to outright discrimination and stigmatization.

I am reluctant to point fingers towards less mature markets, especially as it is rarely black and white. A wide range of areas such as policy, legislation, tradition, existence of expertise, the strength of end user organisations, focus in research and many other things affect how society succeeds when it comes to inclusion. A country can be doing well in one sector while it is less advanced in another. Europe as a whole is kind of "ok" in some cases, but with many gaps still to be filled.

What role do different assistive devices play for people with disabilities?

Laurin: For users of assistive technology, it is an extremely important tool. Not all, but certainly many users with disabilities are more or less dependent on assistive technology. In our markets in western Europe, the majority of persons with physical disabilities do get assistive technology paid for by the government. In the global south, provision of assistive technology is not working at all satisfactory.

What is the importance of research in this respect?

Laurin: Research and innovation is needed for example when it comes to the use of emerging technologies, like AI, which may better support assistive technology and create new solutions. Also, the possibility to include even more of the assistive technology functions in main stream technology needs to be further investigated.

To what extent can we all contribute to a self-determined life and active participation of people with disabilities?

Laurin: Everyone can care! We can try our best to make sure we treat people well, and that we consider diversity among people we meet. Inclusion for me is about democracy: the right to participation and independence for all individuals, no matter of ability.