The World on the Web: Training and Accessibility

Unfortunately, we all know about the pandemic by now. Pathologies, economic crises, travelling barriers... There is another aspect that may have not been considered as much. While we understand the necessity to close schools and put a hold on cultural, sporting and recreational activities, this did lead to yet more isolation. When we look at the disability sector, this isolation has been even more harmful. We have been advocating for greater integration for some time; there is more social awareness about overcoming physical and psychological obstacles. Then came COVID. Whenever there is a crisis, it is important to react, to understand the causes that brought it about so as not to repeat the same mistakes and to correct them. It is important to turn obstacles into opportunities, to understand, to evaluate, to create new perspectives for the future. One area that helped "save" this pivotal period was information technology. Smart working, DAD, in schools and training centres and also the various social media allowed us to continue (at least in part) working and studying, nurturing friendships. Even "normal" practices in banks and offices moved from one-on-one to virtual contact. But does everyone have the necessary tools and knowledge? There is a difference between digital natives, meaning young people who have grown up in the digital age, in close contact with computers and social media, and those who, instead, have had to adapt, willingly or not. Many feel unintegrated, disconnected, cut off, and so for them, training and accessibility, is even more necessary. The new communication requires specific training for people who are different from each other in terms of age, educational and cultural background, but also social and environmental position. And persons with disabilities, what difficulties do they have? We need a new collaboration between the world of work, schools, and also institutions, theatres, sports and recreational centres; common qualification standards, an inclusive and shared system. Obviously, information technology does not want to replace the actual socialization made of real knowledge of meetings and places, but it can make them more accessible. It aims at integrating and enhancing the use of the various existing possibilities and creating new ones.

Is this a widespread problem or does it affect only a minority of people and therefore can be considered unimportant, not a priority or too costly? And you, what do you think?

 

TEST

 

1) You thought about buying a home in a different region than where you live but there are pandemic travel restrictions; you

a) buy it anyway

b) don't buy it

c) postpone the project

 

2) You imagine a ladder; it's

a) in a storage room

b) leaning against a tree

c) in a construction site

 

3) You've received an important recognition; you

a) keep the news to yourself

b) tell everyone immediately

c) wait a few days before telling anyone

 

4) When the pandemic is over, you'd like to have a party; you

a) think about it again and give up the idea

b) will organize a surprise party

c) already start planning it with your friends

 

5) You have an appointment with a person from Milan, you think: they will be

a) punctual

b) early

c) late

 

 

6) During the Christmas holidays in lockdown; you

a) rested

b) completed unfinished work

c) found new ways of socializing

 

7) "Getting to the root"; is something that would be said by

a) a woodsman

b) a dentist

c) a person who wants to deepen a question

 

8) Facing something unexpected; you

a) take your time

b) react immediately

c) seek help

 

9) You received an unexpected email; the news will be

a) great

b) bad

c) who knows

 

10) About the multiplication tables; you learned them

a) relatively easily

b) with difficulty

c) who says I did?

 

11) You just finished washing the car and it's raining

a) it'll be cleaner

b) it'll get dirty

c) you try to park it under a shelter

 

12) You associate the city of Naples to

a) the art of making do

b) the song O sole mio

c) pizza

 

13) You hear the word "vision," you think about

a) a dream

b) eyesight

c) a project

 

14) In the evening; you think

a) about what you're going to do tomorrow

b) about what happened during the day

c) it depends on the days

 

15) You're singing when you go to work; you

a) are optimistic

b) won the lottery

c) are one of the seven dwarfs

 

SCORE

Question A B C

1) 3 1 2

2) 1 2 3

3) 1 3 2

4) 2 1 3

5) 3 2 1

6) 1 2 3

7) 1 2 3

8) 2 3 1

9) 3 1 2

10) 3 2 1

11) 2 1 3

12) 3 1 2

13) 1 2 3

14) 3 2 1

15) 3 1 2

EXPLANATIONS

 

 

FROM 45 TO 36 POINTS:

A NETWORK MEANS EMPOWERMENT

Your interest in accessibility and training has always interested you and continues to grow. You believe that it can accelerate and empower the future and that this becomes a reality. You are young or otherwise have a youthful mindset and are convinced that access to and use of these technologies should be possible, indeed necessary, for everyone.

 

FROM 35 TO 26 POINTS:

A NETWORK MEANS CONNECTING

By necessity or by love; whatever your feelings are, you understand that you can't do without a computerized world. You would like everything to be made more accessible: increased training opportunities and accessibility for all; particularly for those who have physical or mental health issues because you realize the potential of these people and the network.

 

FROM 25 TO 15 POINTS:

A NETWORK MEANS BEING TRAPPED

You have several fears about these tools and think that making them even more present in your daily life could be dangerous. Do you think that maybe you missed the opportunity to get the right training? Maybe if you could learn more about them, you could lower your cynicism. Or at least try.

 

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