Leaving behind physical barriers to entry, humans' move to digital spaces represents an opportunity for greater accessibility and inclusivity. However, apps and websites that are not designed with accessibility in mind are perpetuating historical segregation in a digital future.
To the reader, the first four words of Temple Grandin’s (1) quote are legible through sight and touch, in braille and printed text. However, with the advent of digital life, here represented by the iconic shape of the iPhone, the lower line of braille is crushed underneath glass, thus denying those with visual impairments access and reminding them that they continue to be treated as “less” in the context of the digital age.
The exclusion is also suggested in material through the contrast between warm, organic three-dimensional paper and the sharp edged, two-dimensional glass pane that is cold to the touch.
(1) Temple Grandin is an outspoken proponent of the autism rights and neurodiversity movements.
For more information consult the “Web Content Accessibility Guidelines”.