There is a hierarchy in which the resources of this world are utilized. The essence of privilege lies in the ability to make resources accessible to oneself. For some people, all the worldly comforts are accessible while some people do not even have the access to clean water. This poses a great challenge to the systems and authorities, who are witnessing such a big accessibility gap among the masses. What is accessibility? What is meant by accessibility for all? Why is it necessary to have universal access to certain resources? Here’s everything you need to know about the answers to these questions.
Accessibility
Accessibility can be defined as freedom of choice. The ability to procure or obtain a certain commodity, resource, or entity should not be hampered for anyone. In other words, accessibility is the availability of any content or functionality to anyone and everyone. Every individual is liable to have access to clean water and air. Good quality education should be accessible to everyone. An ideal and just society promises every individual accessibility to all the available resources. The meaning and jurisdiction of this term can be changed according to the scenario, but the essence of it always remains the same i.e. freedom of choice.
The Meaning of “Accessibility For All”
This phrase holds a lot of importance in today’s society. Accessibility of resources for everyone lays the foundation of a society that upholds the notion of equality. Everyone should be on an equal playing field in terms of having access to opportunities, resources, quality education, government beneficiaries, legal privilege, justice, employment, etc. The purpose of universal accessibility would be defeated, if even a single person fails to have accessibility to things like others. The concept of democracy enhances the spirit of equality but the concept of universal accessibility enhances the spirit of equivalency. If we are able to procure the aforementioned entities for everyone or even give them the choice to avail them without any hindrances, we can add true value to our society – a society, which would then, work on its ultimate potential and might have fulfilled all of its moral obligations to its people.
Importance of The Notion of “Accessibility For All”
We might have got an abstract idea of how the notion of “accessibility for all” is the need of the hour. However, it can have many tangible benefits for our society.
- If we can make all the resources accessible to everyone and make sure they are used judiciously for their overall development, we can make use of our human resources at maximum potential.
- If all kinds of material, financial, intellectual, and existential resources were accessible to everyone, there would be a fair race to excellence among the people.
- Equivalency is a threat to democracy but a byproduct of the universal accessibility of resources. Everyone has a unique set of capabilities and talents, which could only be nurtured if they have the accessibility to necessary resources for their betterment.
Challenges to Universal Accessibility
There can be many shortcomings to the concept of “accessibility for all” as well.
- The thought of having judicious use of resources in a society is very utopian if they are accessible to all. Wealth is concentrated more and more in the hands of a few people. Their resourcefulness is coming at the cost of scarcity to a large chunk of society. Hence, the exploitation of resources would be more than ever in a society where all the resources are universally accessible.
- “Accessibility for all” would still not solve the problem of unavailability. People belonging to the lower strata of society are still dealing with many social, financial, and intellectual constraints, which would make it difficult for them to use these resources after being accessible.
In Conclusion
We can all agree on the fact that accessibility of resources for all is the need of the hour. No one deserves to live with their inability to make their lives better for themselves. The concept of “Accessibility for all” plays a vital role in empowering people to have a better shot at life and its opportunities.
