Assessable vs. Accessible

Accessible

Accessibility refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments for people who experience disabilities. The concept of accessible design and practice of accessible development ensures both “direct access” (i.e. unassisted) and “indirect access” meaning compatibility with a person’s assistive technology (for example, computer screen readers).

Accessibility can be viewed as the “ability to access” and benefit from some system or entity. The concept focuses on enabling access for people with disabilities, or special needs, or enabling access through the use of assistive technology; however, research and development in accessibility brings benefits to everyone.

Accessibility is not to be confused with usability, which is the extent to which a product (such as a device, service, or environment) can be used by specified users to achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction in a specified context of use.

Accessibility is strongly related to universal design which is the process of creating products that are usable by people with the widest possible range of abilities, operating within the widest possible range of situations. This is about making things accessible to all people (whether they have a disability or not).

Accessible (adjective)

(of a place) able to be reached or entered

“the town is accessible by bus”

“this room is not accessible to elderly people”

Accessible (adjective)

able to be easily obtained or used

“making learning opportunities more accessible to adults”

Accessible (adjective)

easily understood or appreciated

“an accessible account of his theories”

Accessible (adjective)

able to be reached, entered, or used by people who have a disability

“features such as non-slip floors and accessible entrances”

Accessible (adjective)

(of a person, especially one in a position of authority) friendly and easy to talk to; approachable

“he is more accessible than most tycoons”