The two groups have created an interactive website with a game that asks participants to identify the physical barriers in real life situations. Players see pictures of barriers that commonly give the handicapped difficulty, such as a step in front of a doorway or a round doorknob. Paired with each photo is helpful information about the importance of accessibility and why the barrier in the picture creates a challenge.
To allow viewers to connect on a deeper level, the website also provides the unique personal stories of people with disabilities as they encounter accessibility challenges in their daily lives. It gives users the opportunity to walk in the virtual shoes of those with disabilities. Leah Maddox, ERC Communications and Outreach Associate, described the importance of such initiatives, saying, “One in five people in the United States have a disability, yet there is still a great lack of awareness when it comes to what exactly is accessible and what is not.”
By advocating for those with disabilities, the ERC and the Office of Human Rights are making leaps in accessibility awareness. A national non-profit organization, the ERC is devoted to providing ways to overcome challenges and discrimination. They promote equal opportunity in housing, employment, disability rights, immigrant rights and access to public accommodations and government services. If you want to get involved in disability rights, check out their disability advocacy and self-advocacy toolkits [http://www.equalrightscenter.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pubs_Self_Advocacy_Toolkits]. If you believe you have been the subject of discrimination, fill out a complaint form [http://www.equalrightscenter.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=1361] to make your voice heard.
We spend so much time surfing the Internet that a web-based campaign is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about disability rights. Online messages like this can make a huge difference in our offline lives. Play the game and let us know how you score!
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