I was recently scrolling social media for tips on how to reduce my time on… well, social media. (Yes, I understand the irony here.) That’s when I stumbled across a video where someone enthusiastically stated, “Did you know your iPhone has a built-in dumb phone feature?”
The creator was referring to Assistive Access, a feature designed to simplify the iPhone interface by removing distractions and streamlining usability. While the intention behind the phrase seemed harmless—drawing a comparison to the simplicity of older phones—it didn’t sit right with me.
When such language is used in relation to accessibility features, it unintentionally comes off as ableist. Accessibility tools are not a “dumb” version of a smartphone; they’re thoughtful design innovations meant to empower people. This kind of terminology diminishes their purpose and impact.
Language shapes perception
Calling Assistive Access a “dumb mode” is dismissive, even if unintentionally so. It frames accessibility tools as inferior or less capable, which couldn’t be further from the truth. These features are designed to enhance usability, independence, and focus—not to “dumb down” a device.
Accessibility is smart design at its core. It’s a reminder that good technology should meet the needs of as many people as possible, regardless of their abilities. Framing these features as anything less does a disservice to the people they’re designed for—and to the concept of inclusive design as a whole.
A Personal Interest in Inclusive Design
My fascination with accessibility has deep roots. While studying Product Design at the University of Salford, I became captivated by the idea that truly great design works for everyone. Accessibility isn’t just about solving problems for a specific group—it’s about creating universal solutions that benefit all users.
Take my Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, for example. For me, they’re a convenient and futuristic gadget, great for content creation. But for individuals with visual impairments or other accessibility needs, they can be a life-changing tool. These kinds of products demonstrate how inclusive design can have a profound impact on different communities. Take a look at this video from Sadi the Blind Lady:
Inclusivity in Social Media Practices
Accessibility isn’t just about physical products—it’s something we can all practise in our digital spaces, too. Lately, I’ve been taking small but important steps to make my social media content more inclusive. For instance:
- I’ve started using camel case in hashtags (e.g., #AssistiveAccess instead of #assistiveaccess), which makes them easier to read for screen readers.
- I’ve also been adding alt text to my images, ensuring they’re accessible to people with visual impairments.
This shift in my approach is largely thanks to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). Their daily reminders on Threads about adding alt text and making content accessible have been game-changing. They’re a fantastic example of how to advocate for something you’re passionate about—through consistent, actionable tips that create lasting impact.
Why Accessibility Features Are for Everyone
Here’s something I think we often overlook: accessibility features aren’t just for people with disabilities—they can benefit everyone.
Take Assistive Access, for example. While its primary purpose is to simplify the iPhone for users who need it, I’ve found it incredibly helpful for reducing distractions and staying focused on work. These features are a testament to good design—tools created with inclusivity in mind that serve a broader audience than they might initially appear to. Here’s how to access it.
What We Can Learn from Accessibility Champions
Whether it’s the RNIB advocating for alt text or companies like Apple and Ray-Ban designing tools with inclusivity at their core, we have a lot to learn from accessibility champions. One of the biggest lessons? Language matters.
When we talk about accessibility tools, we need to do so in a way that highlights their value and avoids diminishing their importance. Accessibility isn’t a downgrade—it’s a way to make the world more equitable, thoughtful, and connected for everyone.
