Greetings everyone and I’m Scott Savoy at the Sterling Creations desk and I hope that everyone is enjoying their sunny Summer days!
The work must go on and for this week our president Donna J. Jodhan has a very sobering editorial to share with you and she hopes that you have a few minutes to read and respond.
Please write to her at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca with your thoughts.
Happy weekend!
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When Technology Rules
By Donna J. Jodhan
There is no stopping technology. It has become an integral part of our lives, and in many ways it has made everyday tasks easier, faster, and more convenient. From banking and shopping to booking travel and accessing government services, technology has transformed how we live.
However, there comes a point when technology begins to rule us instead of serving us.
One growing concern is the increasing requirement to complete online forms that include uploading a passport-sized photograph or taking a live selfie for identity verification. While this may seem like a simple task for many, it presents an almost impossible barrier for people who are blind or vision impaired, seniors who struggle to interact with technology, and individuals who lack either the technical skills or the necessary equipment to meet these requirements.
So, what happens then?
The answer is often that these individuals must rely on someone else for assistance. That immediately raises important questions about privacy, dignity, and independence. Sensitive personal information, including identity documents and facial images, must be shared with another person simply because there is no accessible alternative. For many, this is an unacceptable compromise.
Technology should empower people, not exclude them. Accessibility is not an optional feature; it is a fundamental requirement if we truly want to create inclusive societies. As governments, businesses, and organizations continue to digitize their services, they must recognize that one solution does not fit everyone.
A common example is when countries require visitors to complete online entry forms before arrival. Increasingly, these forms demand the uploading of a passport photo or a live selfie. While intended to improve security and streamline border procedures, these systems often overlook the needs of travellers who cannot independently complete such tasks.
Surely there are practical alternatives. Applicants could be given the option to verify their identity upon arrival, submit photographs through an accessible assisted service, or choose another secure verification method that does not depend entirely on visual technology. Innovation should expand opportunities, not create new barriers.
My plea to those designing these systems is simple: please build in a workaround. Consider the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, and others who may be left behind by technology’s relentless march forward.
Technology is a remarkable tool. But when it begins to dictate who can participate independently and who cannot, it is time to pause and ask whether we are truly progressing.
The measure of technological success should not be how advanced it is, but how accessible it is to everyone.
I’d like to leave this for your consideration.
Two people are seated side by side at a computer terminal. One person is focused on the screen, carefully uploading a passport photo into an online application form. Their posture and hand movements suggest concentration as they navigate the upload process. Beside them, the second person sits patiently but with visible anxiety, waiting for the upload to be completed. The waiting individual is vision impaired and relies on the assistance of their companion to complete the visual task. Their attentive posture and facial expression convey anticipation and trust, highlighting the collaborative nature of the interaction. The scene reflects accessible support, teamwork, and the shared effort of completing an important online process.
Image = A man in a dark blue shirt helps an older blind woman wearing sunglasses to use a desktop computer to upload their passport photos. The woman has a white cane resting beside her; the screen shows a registration form with a photo upload in progress, suggesting assistance with an online application in a warm home or office setting.
To learn more about me as an award winning sight loss coach and advocate visit http://www.donnajodhan.com