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22 COMMON BARRIERS AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM Despite years of efforts through advocacy and legislation, obstacles persist. Arnott highlights three key challenges: Employment Gaps: People with disabilities face significant employment gaps, often due to misunderstandings about their abilities. Programs such as Perkins' Blind New World campaign (https://blindnewworld.org/) highlight individuals thriving in diverse roles from laboratory science to skydiving, countering stereotypes and expanding opportunities. Social Stigma: Cultural attitudes toward disability still pose a significant obstacle. Many people hesitate to acknowledge their own needs, fearing judgment or losing their independence. Arnott points out that blindness is one of the top fears in surveys, partly because people are unaware of the tools and resources available. Conflicting Access Needs: Sometimes, accessibility solutions conflict with each other. A person with a guide dog and someone with severe dog allergies can't share the same space without adjustments. Digital environments face similar issues, like choosing between light and dark modes. Flexible design and user-controlled settings are key to managing these conflicts. Inclusive governance relies on listening to those affected. Arnott emphasizes that we should regard accessibility evaluation as professional work, not a favor. "If you have never navigated a page with a screen reader, trying it yourself is not the same experience as [that of] a skilled user," she explains. Hiring experts ensures authentic feedback and practical solutions. Organizations should also offer clear, visible channels for users to request help and make sure those requests reach real people. Automated systems can assist, but accessibility questions often need personalized responses. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Accessibility is a shared commitment, not the responsibility of just one department. Training staff to identify and apply inclusive practices fosters a culture where accessibility becomes second nature. When explaining how colleagues check image descriptions for clarity, Arnott highlights the value of collaborative review: "Another set of eyes really helps," she says. Incorporating accessibility early in project planning provides long-term advantages. Features like searchable transcripts and alt text not only benefit users but also simplify content management, making future projects quicker and more efficient. Governance typically involves public meetings, workshops, and conferences - settings where accessibility can make or break participation. Arnott emphasizes these best practices: Pre-Planning: Provide slides and materials in advance so screen reader users can review them. Realtime Support: Offer CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) transcription and sign language interpretation, understanding that these services require skilled professionals and need to be scheduled in advance. Clear Communication: Inform attendees about available accommodations and deadlines for requesting interpreters. Even with thorough planning, challenges may occur — interpreters might fall ill, or technical problems could

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