The Accessibility Era Story
Accessibility Era was born from lived experience. As visually impaired professionals navigating digital platforms that were never built with accessibility in mind, Ephraim Oracca-Tetteh and Adelaide Bortier understood how talent can be limited not by ability, but by design. What began as a simple question, “Why are accessible digital skills so hard to find?” grew into a structured solution.
Under the umbrella of Voice Access Institute, Accessibility Era was created to offer more than scattered tutorials or informal guidance. It was designed as a complete learning pathway where visually impaired learners can gain structured digital skills, earn recognized certificates, and compete confidently in the workforce.
The journey began with a small pilot of ten learners who completed Microsoft Word training. Their feedback reshaped the platform. Navigation improved. Lessons became clearer. Accessibility features were strengthened. The result was proof that when accessibility is prioritized from the start, learners thrive.
Today, Accessibility Era stands as a growing response to systemic exclusion in digital education.
Who We Are
Accessibility Era is the flagship project of Voice Access Institute, a non governmental organization focused on empowering persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
We are educators, technologists, advocates, and professionals who believe that disability does not reduce potential. Our work centers on accessible digital skills training, professional certification, and employment readiness.
We serve:
- Students at junior high, secondary, and tertiary levels
- Unemployed graduates seeking competitive skills
- Working professionals like teachers upgrading their digital capacity
- Caregivers and educators supporting learners with disabilities
Our programs are built with screen reader compatibility, audio guidance, and voice navigation so that visually impaired learners can participate fully and independently.
Vision
We envision a society where persons with disabilities participate fully in the digital economy.
Our long term aim is to normalize accessible certification, influence hiring practices, and strengthen inclusive education systems. Accessibility should not be an afterthought. It should be standard practice.
Accessibility Era seeks to become a regional center of excellence in accessible digital learning, beginning in Ghana and expanding across borders.
Strategic Objectives
- Expand Accessible Course Content
Develop a full curriculum covering digital literacy, Microsoft Office, programming, data analytics, web development, and accessibility standards. - Strengthen Certificate Recognition
Collaborate with institutions such as the Ghana Blind Union to build trust and employer recognition for our certificates. - Scale National Reach in Ghana
Increase enrollment across regions and ensure learners in underserved communities are not excluded. - Promote Employer Engagement
Work directly with employers to position accessible certification as credible proof of competence. - Ensure Financial Sustainability
Combine affordable certificate fees, partnerships, grants, and donor support to maintain and grow the platform responsibly.
Meet Our Team
Adelaide Bortier
Executive Director
A Ghanaian musician widely known for her advocacy, Adelaide leads public engagement and strategic direction. Her lived experience as a visually impaired professional grounds the organization’s mission in authenticity and purpose.
Ephraim Oracca Tetteh
Assistive Technology Trainer
A valedictorian from the University of Ghana and an assistive technology enthusiast. Ephraim, volunteers for Katis Training Institute and Institute of Accessible Technology as an assistive tech trainer and engages policies for digital inclusion.
Kendrick Asiedu Agyei
Software Developer
Kendrick oversees the technical development of the platform, ensuring it remains secure, scalable, and fully compatible with assistive technologies.
Together, the team combines lived experience, technical skill, and a shared commitment to inclusive opportunity.
Support Us
Accessibility Era is currently sustained largely through the personal contributions of its founders. External support will allow us to expand courses, improve technology infrastructure, and offer certificate scholarships to learners who cannot afford fees.
Your support directly strengthens inclusive education and employment pathways for persons with disabilities.
Make a Donation
Your donation helps us:
- Develop new accessible courses
- Maintain and improve the learning platform
- Provide scholarships for certificates
- Expand outreach to underserved communities
- Strengthen mentorship and career support programs
Every contribution moves a learner closer to economic independence.
Join as a Volunteer
We welcome volunteers who believe in inclusion and accessibility.
You can contribute through:
- Content development and instructional design
- Accessibility testing and technology support
- Mentorship and career coaching
- Outreach and partnership development
- Research and impact evaluation
Volunteers become part of a mission that reshapes digital education.