This week is Helen Keller Deafblind Awareness Week—a time to reflect on how communication shapes connection, dignity, and participation.
Helen Keller’s life showed the world that even without sight or hearing, one can learn, lead, and inspire—if the right tools, support, and mindset are in place.
Her story felt especially close to me recently.
I was in an online workshop.
Everything was going smoothly—until we were asked to join breakout rooms.
Suddenly, my screen reader stopped working.
No prompts.
No audio cues.
I was muted.
My camera was on.
Everyone else had moved on.
I sat there, fully present, yet completely disconnected.
The facilitator kept saying, “Click the button to accept the breakout room invitation.”
But I couldn’t hear or see anything to click.
I raised my hand—hoping someone would notice.
She assumed I was saying goodbye.
She said, “Okay, bye.”
And then… silence.
After a few moments, someone unmuted me from their end.
I explained that I’m blind, and that my screen reader had stopped working.
I also explained what a screen reader is—and how it's how I navigate online spaces.
That moment reminded me how fragile accessibility can be.
When assistive technology fails, my connection to the digital world breaks.
For me, a screen reader isn’t just a convenience—it’s how I navigate, contribute, and stay included.
Without it, I’m left in the room, but not in the conversation.
As we honour Helen Keller this week, I’m reminded of the power of assistive technology to enable participation, connection, and independence for persons with disabilities.
#HelenKeller #AssistiveTechnology #Accessibility #Blindness #Inclusion #DigitalInclusion #LivedExperience #DeafblindAwarenessWeek
