Beyond Barriers with Sara
In a recent episode of the Beyond Barriers podcast, we interacted with Sara Nielsen, a full-stack software development engineer at Zillow. Sara shared her unique journey into the field of accessibility, highlighting the personal experiences and professional challenges that have shaped her commitment to creating inclusive digital experiences.
A Personal Connection to Accessibility
Sara Nielsen’s passion for accessibility was ignited when she was 16, living in Brazil. She became friends with a person who happened to be deaf and quickly realized the challenges he faced in everyday interactions. "For deaf people, written language like English or Portuguese is not their first language. Their first language is signs," Sara explained. This experience made her empathetic towards the deaf community and motivated her to learn sign language and assist her friend in navigating communication barriers.
From Personal to Professional Commitment
Sara’s move to the United States marked a turning point in her career. At Zillow, Sara’s interest in accessibility found a new platform. She eagerly volunteered to tackle tickets related to digital accessibility issues, such as color contrast and screen reader compatibility. "At the time, I didn’t know much, and then I started learning and fixing the issues," she recalled. Her dedication quickly became evident, and she began focusing on automating accessibility testing to catch issues early in the development process.
The Challenges of Digital Accessibility in Tech
Despite her successes, Sara acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the field. One major hurdle is the mindset of achieving minimal compliance rather than striving for full inclusivity. "Sometimes we think more like, how can we do the minimum that would be good enough for people to just be able to use this application?" she said. Sara advocates for a shift towards creating the best possible experience for all users, including those with disabilities.
Another significant challenge is the reliance on manual accessibility testing, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. To address this, she has been exploring accessibility automation tools like Playwright and Wally, which could help streamline the process and ensure consistent accessibility standards across all features.
The Importance of Empathy and Inclusion
Sara highlighted the broader impact of digital accessibility on brand loyalty and user satisfaction. "The consumer base, especially younger generations, really values an inclusive brand," she pointed out. Ensuring digital accessibility is not just about avoiding legal repercussions but about building a positive brand image and fostering customer loyalty.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Accessibility
When asked about the future of accessibility, Sara identified several areas for potential growth. She believes that having concrete data on the needs of users with disabilities could drive more significant improvements. "Imagine if we knew that 90% of our users only use a keyboard. That would make us more alert to improve those areas," she said. Additionally, she suggested that stronger legal regulations and a clearer understanding of the business benefits of accessibility could propel the industry forward.
Conclusion
Sara’s journey underscores the need for a proactive approach to accessibility in tech. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact that empathy, dedication, and innovative thinking can have in creating a more inclusive digital world. As she aptly put it, "We have so much knowledge, we have so much technology, why not think of ways that we can include everyone?"
Her work at Zillow serves as an inspiration for others in the industry to prioritize accessibility from the very beginning of the development process, ensuring that digital experiences are truly inclusive for all users.
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