How Digital Accessibility is Opening Doors
Written By: John Samuel, Co-Founder and CEO, Ablr 360
At Ablr, our mission is to remove barriers for people with disabilities, in all aspects of life, and we believe that accessibility is not just about compliance—it is about creating opportunities. When content is designed to be inclusive, it empowers people with disabilities to achieve their goals and contribute to society. One story that embodies this is that of Robert Dittman, who overcame accessibility challenges to become the first blind person to pass the Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) exam.
Robert’s journey exemplifies why accessible content matters and how it can transform lives. By using Pocket Prep’s accessible training materials, Robert demonstrated that determination, coupled with the right tools, can shatter barriers, and redefine what’s possible.
When Robert Dittman was asked to become the Chief of the Internal Affairs Division at Texas Public Safety and Investigations, he did not think it was possible because of his blindness. Robert had an impressive 12-year career in criminal defense, but he still felt like being a Security Officer was out of reach. However, after a period of hesitant deliberation, Robert left his private law practice to join Texas Public Safety and Investigations as Chief of the agency’s Internal Affairs Division. After joining, Robert was tasked with gaining numerous qualifications in law enforcement, firefighter, and EMS training to build an in-depth familiarity with the industry’s best practices. This would include ride-a-longs, on-duty experience, and after-action reviews.
Robert wanted to earn his EMR certification to better understand and evaluate his team’s procedures and performance. His decision to pursue this certification wasn’t just about professional growth; it was about setting an example and standing side by side with his brothers and sisters that he shared a uniform.
To prepare for the rigorous EMR exam, Robert needed study tools that worked seamlessly with screen readers and other assistive technologies. That’s where Pocket Prep came in. Their accessible platform enabled Robert to navigate content, review practice questions, and simulate real exam scenarios. With this support, Robert passed the exam, making history in the process.
Robert’s success underscores a fundamental truth: accessibility is about equity. Without accessible content, talented and driven individuals like Robert may face unnecessary barriers that limit their potential. By ensuring training materials and tools are inclusive, organizations can expand their market reach, protect against potential lawsuits, and open doors for so many people with disabilities who have been shut out.
Since Pocket Prep was committed to creating the best user experience for all of their customers, they wanted actual native users to be part of the test process, and that was a determining factor in choosing to work with us.
Pocket Prep first reached out to Ablr in 2021 to proactively check their exam prep mobile applications for numerous trainings on their platform, including the EMR study prep. We performed an accessibility audit on both their web and mobile applications, providing a detailed road map for them to remediate the issues that were discovered. We worked directly with their various development teams as they worked through their issues. Once done, we also provided an Accessibility Conformance Report documenting their compliance levels.
At Ablr, we specialize in helping organizations like Pocket Prep create accessible, and usable, experiences. We do this by including native users of assistive technology in the testing process, from auditing software for screen reader compatibility to providing actual user feedback, we ensure that accessibility is woven into the design process. Our collaboration with Pocket Prep is a prime example of how proactive accessibility efforts can lead to life-changing outcomes.
Through our services, we don’t just identify gaps—we provide actionable solutions. Whether it’s improving website navigation, adding alternative text to images, or ensuring that all assistive technology can engage with an app, we make sure your content is inclusive for everyone.
What we have learned is that digital accessibility is not just a box to check—it’s a powerful tool for inclusion and transformation. Robert Dittman’s story is a testament to what’s possible when we design with accessibility in mind. His groundbreaking achievement highlights the profound impact of accessible tools and training, not only for individuals but for entire industries. At Ablr, we believe that accessibility is about equity and opportunity. It’s about removing barriers so that everyone, regardless of ability, can reach their full potential. By collaborating with organizations like Pocket Prep, we help create digital environments that empower people with disabilities to contribute, lead, and thrive. When we prioritize accessibility, we open doors—for innovation, for growth, and for stories like Robert’s to become the norm rather than the exception. Together, we can build a future where inclusivity drives progress and ensures no one is left behind.
Continue the conversation on Digital Accessibility with Ablr at their Focus on Talent webinar featuring Mike Iannelli and John Samuel from Ablr, a leading digital accessibility organization based in the Triangle, and their client, Ada Lopez from Lenovo.
More than Compliance: The Value of Digital Accessibility
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