New technology to support women experiencing domestic abuse
Birmingham and Solihull Women 's Aid (BSWA) has made a further commitment to supporting women experiencing domestic abuse, who have a disability or other barrier to support, by offering a web toolbar through Recite Me assistive technology.
Over 20 per cent of the population may experience difficulties navigating a website due to a disability or language barrier, and the team at Birmingham and Solihull Women 's Aid (BSWA) have been looking at ways to improve the online experience for women who potentially are looking for their help.
In April 2020 the team at BSWA launched a type-to-chat webchat service, which has been used by many women to take first steps to getting support.
This new tool bar will make it easier for women to access support by offering screen reading functionality, multiple reading aids, customisable styling options an on-demand live translation feature that boasts over 100 languages including 35 texts to speech and styling options.
Parminder, Domestic Abuse Wellbeing Hub manager at BSWA explained: "Our website is the 'front door ' to our organisation and the pandemic has only made it more vital that information about our services is clearly displayed online. We know that a barrier to getting support can be a disability of any kind, and this toolbar will make it much easier for women to fact-find on their own terms, and make their next steps."
Ross Linnett Recite Me 's Founder and CEO said: “It is important to provide an inclusive online experience, where everyone can use our digital world in a way in which best suits their needs. As more organisations provide accessibility tools online, those who face online barriers can access information and services hassle-free. The digital world must be accessible for all. ”
The toolbar can be accessed by clicking on 'Accessibility ' on the top of the website www.bswaid.org
Birmingham and Solihull Women 's Aid hopes to see more women finding support and gaining reassurance via their website, with the hope of continuing to implement other methods of widening access to their services.