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‘PowerPoint broke me’: The challenges for blind professionals
Emeline Lakrout, a blind marketing professional, resigned from Unilever due to inaccessible software like Trello and Anaplan that hindered her work, particularly with PowerPoint, which made presentations difficult. Her experience highlights ongoing challenges in tech accessibility for visually impaired individuals in the workplace.
Key points
- Emeline Lakrout worked at Unilever for five years but resigned in March 2023.
- She left due to the inaccessibility of essential software for blind users.
- Trello was often used but not accessible, prompting requests for alternatives.
- Software from Anaplan required her to strain her vision, creating discomfort.
- PowerPoint was particularly problematic as it failed to convey slide content properly.
- Lakrout's struggle emphasizes the need for better accessibility in workplace technology.
Why it matters
- Issues of software accessibility for disabled persons are increasingly recognized in workplace discussions.
- By 2025, IT trends indicate a stronger push for inclusive design in software development.
- Disability inclusivity is becoming a critical focus in corporate social responsibility efforts.
- Laws and policies around equal access in tech are evolving, often spurred by individual experiences like Lakrout's.
Lakrout's resignation underlines the significant barriers that blind professionals face with current software, advocating for improved accessibility to foster an inclusive work environment.