We live in a world where the importance of terminology and language has never been more significant. Words have immense power, and we must carefully recognize and handle that power. I’ve personally tattooed the Hebrew word for “word” on my skin to remind myself of the transformative and destructive potential words hold.
The Past
Throughout human history, the ability to read and write has been one of the most powerful skills available. One of the greatest shifts in our evolution occurred when access to the written word was liberated from cultural oppression, and education became recognized as a necessity and a right. Education ensures equality at its core—equal dreams, equal education, and equal opportunity.
But we must remember that this access to education wasn’t always a given (and still isn’t in some regions today). Education was once controlled by religious and patriarchal powers, limited and even demonized. As recently as 20 years ago, some remote areas still sought to restrict access to education. The logic behind this was simple: no words = no education = easier control over people.
Imagine a world without a free press, the ability to read or understand it, and freedom of speech… It’s almost impossible to fathom.
The Present
Luckily, many of us now live in a world that has moved past these dark periods. We use words and education as fundamental resources. We value opportunities and appreciate the depth that literacy and communication enable. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn—all word-based mediums—underscore the power of literacy. While illiteracy is nearly eradicated in many parts of the world, we recognize that when access to words is limited, we must help bridge that gap.
The Problem with the Term “Accessibility”
Accessibility has become the most recognized term when discussing the need for equality in both the physical and digital worlds. Its origins are rooted in the history of physical inclusion, a movement older than web-based inclusion. The term “accessibility” is often linked with making physical spaces accessible, marking a significant leap toward inclusion.
So, what’s the issue? The term accessibility has always felt apologetic to me. It’s as if we’re asking for permission: “Please grant us the ability to access your business, event, or service.” But today, the internet is the primary tool of modern existence. Merely being able to “walk through the door” isn’t enough—we need to ensure the usability of the web’s core functions for true equality.
That’s why we must shift the conversation from accessibility to usability. We need to stop begging for access and instead demand usable experiences that ensure everyone can fully participate in the digital world.
The Future
The best thing about the future is that equality is progressing. Maybe not as fast as we’d like, but it’s moving forward. We figure out how to get there when we understand where we want to go. Humanity overcame the institution of slavery by acknowledging its horrors and committing to eliminate the old beliefs that justified it. If we could conquer one of the most entrenched systems in history, we can push the scales further toward absolute equality.
But it all starts with the right words. Language shapes perception. By choosing better, kinder, and more inclusive terminology, we can foster true equality—not only in accessibility but across all noble causes. At the end of the day, words are how we better ourselves as humans.
