(Seale, 2019).

Challenges and affordances needed for accessibility and inclusivity
There are many challenges and affordances relating to accessibility and inclusivity of technology within the educational sector. Accessibility and inclusivity for technology is guided by Government legislation, universal guidelines and standards in collaboration with stakeholders (Seale, 2019, p.10). The stakeholders being the government, educator, learner, software companies and developers and third parties, such as hardware companies.
The challenges that exist for educators, hardware and software developers is the contextualisation of the technology to suit everyone with in a cohort of learners. Learner’s needs need to be identified prior to software and hardware development. The feedback sort from learners is in form of discussion, research and surveys which identify what is important to them (Seale, 2019, p. 18). Software and hardware developers apply this collected information to develop relevant, accessible and inclusive technology. A couple of examples of well-known software apps developed in this way are YouTube and Quizlet.
These apps can be easily used and adapted to suit any classroom environment. YouTube uses the accessibility features of android and other operating systems to ensure the learner receives an accessible seamless experience. A couple of notable accessible features are support for the vision impaired with a talk back feature and subtitles for hearing impaired, as well as for reinforced learning for learners of English as a second language (“Accessibility for YouTube mobile app”, n.d.). Quizlet also adapts well to operating systems but have built in features for accessibility, such as enlarge text and voice over capabilities (“The Quizlet App: now with voiceover for users with impaired vision”, n.d.).
As an ESL teacher, I choose applicable apps and software as identified above, that reflect the demographics and abilities of the class. It is important to have accessible apps to ensure the best learning outcomes for every student in line with fair and ethical standards.
References:
“Accessibility for YouTube mobile app”, n.d., https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6087602?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en#zippy=%2Cturn-accessibility-setting-onoff

“The Quizlet App: Now With VoiceOver for Users with Impaired Vision”, n.d., https://quizlet.com/blog/the-quizlet-app-now-with-voiceover-for-users-with-impaired-vision

Seale, J. (2019). E-learning and disability in higher education: accessibility research and practice, Routledge.