‘Accessibility must become second nature’

When Guy Streveler lost his sight as an adult, it came as a shock at first. ‘In my private life, it meant losing my independence – and with that came frustration, sometimes even aggression,’ he recalls. His partner at the time helped him through this difficult phase.

The transition in his professional life, on the other hand, was relatively smooth. With the help of an understanding hierarchy, technical aids and a strong will, he was able to continue working as a developer at the bank. ‘I never wanted to give up and wanted to make the best of the situation.’

Technology as the key to independence

For Guy Streveler, technology was the decisive lever that enabled him to build a new, self-determined life. ‘Without a screen reader, I wouldn't have been able to continue my work as a developer,’ he emphasises. Digital aids, both voice-activated and tactile, gave him back a large part of his autonomy – both at work and in his private life.

He also adapted his way of working. ‘I had to switch from seeing to hearing, which trained my memory extremely well. Where others needed visual aids such as diagrams, I could rely on my behaviour.’ Guy Streveler took a typing course so that he could continue to use a normal keyboard. He formed an effective tandem with his team partner: he programmed the back end, while his colleague worked on the front end.

Accessibility as a profession and a calling

After working as a developer, Guy Streveler began working as an expert in digital accessibility, both professionally and on a voluntary basis. ‘I test everything I encounter in everyday life – from shopping platforms to government portals.’ Even assistive technologies themselves are tested. Depending on the desired level of thoroughness, these tests can be quite complex: form fields, menu items and buttons must be accessible with the cursor, screen reader texts must be implemented correctly, and navigation must be clear and logical.

For him, a good accessible product is one that is ‘simple, secure and intuitive’ to use. The most common shortcomings, on the other hand, are restrictions to mouse control, incomplete information for screen readers, complex calendar tools or confusing tables.

A positive example? The e-banking app of a major bank in the financial centre, which was significantly improved following his feedback.

A negative example? Ironically, the app of a transport service for people with reduced mobility, which Guy Streveler himself relies on. ‘Even after repeated intervention, nothing has been done,’ he says with a shrug. ‘They should be setting an example.’

‘Design for all – right from the start’

Guy Streveler describes cooperation with companies as mostly open – at least when there is personal contact with the issue. ‘When someone in the family is affected, there is greater understanding.’ Nevertheless, accessibility is still too rarely seen as a priority. ‘People often say it's not worth the effort for just a few people.’

But it would actually make good business sense: ‘Design for all from the outset is the most cost-effective form of accessibility. It brings in more users, which means more customers and therefore more profit.’

He also considers the legal framework – such as the new European Accessibility Act – to be essential. ‘In the past, accessibility was often just a side note. Now it's legally binding – that changes the perspective.’ For him, it's clear that legal pressure is necessary until accessibility becomes a matter of course in society. ‘Today, no one has to explain why a kerb needs to be lowered – digital accessibility should become just as self-evident.’

An appeal to the next generation

Guy Streveler's wish for future developers is clear: ‘As much effort as is put into creating a sexy look today should also be put into accessibility.’ The principle is simple: keep it simple – applications should make life easier, not more difficult.

Technical progress already offers solutions that could make life much easier for people with disabilities – ‘if only they were used properly.’ For him, the real challenge lies not in technology, but in rethinking: ‘Accessibility must become second nature.’