Digital accessibility allows people with disabilities to independently consume and interact with digital applications and content, including websites and mobile applications. Global Accessibility Awareness Day is recognized annually in May with the intent to get people talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion. Fidelity’s focus on customer inclusion combined with its expertise in technology enables the company to provide innovative educational opportunities to ensure it is creating an inclusive environment for all.
A New Custom Accessibility Tool
Fidelity hosted a live demo of its newly redesigned Custom Accessibility Tool (CAT). The browser extension, which was custom-built by the technologists at Fidelity, enables the company to test websites to ensure inclusive online experiences for its customers and associates. The browser extension update is now available to Fidelity’s 74,000+ associates.
Workshops for Digital Architects and Content Creators
Knowing the important role that Fidelity’s thousands of technologists play in creating accessible environments, Fidelity hosted a panel discussion for its technology organization. The discussion promoted empathy by providing visibility into the digital experiences of people with disabilities, highlighting the impact of barriers within digital experiences.
The company also hosted a virtual session on how to create content and design with accessibility in mind. The event, which was open to all but focused on teams that create content for associates and customers, shared best practices on things from designing charts that can be viewed by people with color blindness to publishing reports that can be translated with a screen reader.
Immersive In-Person Experiences for Associates
At its headquarters in Boston and technology hub in North Carolina, Fidelity hosted in-person opportunities for associates to test their digital accessibility knowledge and explore adaptive technologies. Associates were invited to test the newly updated browser extension, use adaptive gaming consoles, and explore Fidelity’s Accessibility Marketplace, which allows employees to self-select assistive technologies and other services without formal accommodation or manager approval.
Outside of this week’s events, Fidelity is committed to digital accessibility and has hired dozens of accessibility experts specializing in User Experience Design (UXD), Developer/Engineer and Quality Engineer (QE)/Tester across multiple businesses. These digital accessibility associates collaborate daily on cross-platform initiatives to improve digital experiences for customers and associates. From contracts and governance to open office hours and design systems, the culture of access and inclusion grows stronger every day.
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About Fidelity Investments
Fidelity’s mission is to strengthen the financial well-being of our customers and deliver better outcomes for the clients and businesses we serve. Fidelity’s strength comes from the scale of our diversified, market-leading financial services businesses that serve individuals, families, employers, wealth management firms, and institutions. With assets under administration of $13.7 trillion, including discretionary assets of $5.3 trillion as of March 31, 2024, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a broad and growing customer base. Privately held for 77 years, Fidelity employs more than 75,000 associates across the United States, Ireland, and India. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://www.fidelity.com/about-fidelity/our-company.