In the latest Sounds of SAS video, Greg Kraus, SAS' Director of Product Accessibility, shared a pivotal moment that highlighted his team's groundbreaking work.
A few years ago, his team experienced a milestone that redefined what inclusive technology could achieve. During a brainstorming session to showcase data sonification capabilities, seven team members, three of whom were blind, gathered to explore and visualize data. Contrary to expectations, the blind team members were not passive participants; they actively sourced data, created visualizations and shared insights in real time, just as quickly as their peers.
This moment marked a turning point. It demonstrated that people with and without visual impairments could engage equally in complex data discussions without barriers. What once seemed impossible has become possible thanks to years of investment in accessibility.
People with visual impairments and people without visual impairments were equally contributing to real-time conversations about data. It was that magical moment when things that used to see impossible, all of a sudden became possible. Greg Kraus
Transforming collaboration
The SAS Product Accessibility team’s accessibility-first approach has transformed how they work together. Managing accessibility across 40 products, the team relies on interactive dashboards filled with metrics and visualizations to guide decisions. Thanks to built-in accessibility features like high contrast views, keyboard navigation and sonification, every team member can fully engage with the data, regardless of disability.
Kraus emphasized how adopting an accessibility-first approach has fundamentally changed the way his team collaborates and communicates. By prioritizing accessibility from the beginning, they have fostered an environment where inclusivity is ingrained in every aspect of their work.
This shift has led to more effective teamwork and has ensured that diverse perspectives are considered in product development. Leading such a dedicated team has taught Kraus invaluable lessons about innovation and the importance of creating technology that serves everyone. By expanding the vision of what is possible, everyone is empowered to fully engage and contribute their whole selves to every aspect of their work.
There’s no need to rework dashboards or reports for accessibility, or wonder who can participate in the discussion; everyone can. Full participation is the daily reality, not a distant hope.
Working without barriers
The Product Accessibility team ensures full participation in every aspect of their work for all team members. In an industry filled with barriers for people with disabilities, the team refuses to settle for the bare minimum. Instead, they aim for the highest level of engagement from all team members.
Brice Smith, Product Accessibility Tester, and Sean Mealin, Senior Product Manager, provided insights into their day-to-day experiences while working on this team. They discussed how using SAS tools enables them to access and analyze data efficiently while ensuring these tools remain accessible to all users. Smith and Mealin echoed Kraus’s sentiments about collaboration, highlighting how their team’s cohesive efforts drive success. Their personal stories illustrate the profound impact that an accessibility-focused approach can have on both employees and end-users alike.
This team has shown that when you surround yourself with people committed to that vision, extraordinary things become possible.
If you haven’t experienced working with people constantly second guessing your capabilities…it’s hard to describe that feeling. Once you get past that and can contribute on equal ground with everyone else, it’s liberating. Sean Mealin
By unlocking the potential of all people through accessible technology, SAS is not only setting new standards in product development but also demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity that resonates throughout our culture.
Stay tuned for more
Future articles will explore accessibility technology more deeply, exploring accessibility tools within specific products like SAS® Visual Analytics, SAS® Studio and SAS® Viya® Workbench. Stay tuned as we continue the conversation about innovations that make SAS software more inclusive, breaking barriers and expanding possibilities for all users and customers.
Be sure to check out the first edition of Sounds of SAS, where we highlighted the SAS Product Accessibility team and the effort involved in making SAS products accessible to persons with disabilities. Each story in this series highlights how accessible technology is helping people connect, contribute and innovate.
