Why Accessibility?
About 18 years ago, I realized some folks in my organization could not access an elearning course I created. Since then, I've spent a lot of time thinking about and researching the accessibility of digital experiences.
Progress in accessibility has been slow, sometimes from lack of awareness, sometimes through intention.
My "why" evolved from fixing one thing (color contrast) to designing for all from the start. The more people I meet and stories I hear, the more perspective I gain. Accessibility isn't a checklist. It's compassion, care, and dignity.
Last year, I wrote two chapters for Design for All Learners: Create Accessible and Inclusive Learning Experiences. One chapter covers real stories I encountered, and this "why." Below are some simple actions you can take today to create more access, remove barriers, reduce stigma, and be a better ally.
Quick Wins in Accessibility
1. Publish an accessibility statement.
Treat this as a changelog – what you learned when you reviewed your product/website/course. What you tested. What still needs work. When you'll review again. And how people can report issues.
- Learn about and aim for WCAG and EU (EN 301 549) guidelines.
- Promise response times for issue reporting and offer at least two ways to contact you.
Helpful tools:
- W3C Accessibility Statement Generator (e.g., Ethical Methods accessibility)
- WAVE web accessibility evaluation tool
- Contrast Checker
- Hemingway App for readability
- Canadian guidelines on plain language, accessibility, and inclusive communications
Important: Don't just use this template and consider your job done. Document your intent, your process, and how you plan to improve. Give folks a way to alert you to issues they encounter. Show commitment and transparency.
2. Make PDFs accessible, or use HTML instead.
If you must use PDF, tag it properly, add real headings and alt text, and always provide an HTML version when possible.
Here's a guide: Create Accessible PDFs from Microsoft Word
3. Extend your personal learning network.
Follow people who share lived experiences and practical solutions.
- Sheri Byrne‑Haber (disability inclusion, law + practice)
- Meryl Evans (Deaf awareness, captions, inclusive media)
- Sarah Mercier (accessible learning and tools)
- Susi Miller (accessible eLearning)
- Jacob Wood (assistive tech, accessible games)
4. Creating elearning?
- Start with an accessibility statement slide or text block and give people a clear way to report issues.
- Take the eLa1000 Accessibility Assessment.
5. Adopt a "shift left" mindset.
The earlier in the design process we include accessibility, the easier (and better) our development becomes.
6. Take the free Accessibility Maturity Assessment
7. Ask better questions.
- Who can we include in the design process to maintain broader perspectives?
- Who might get blocked here? How will we know?
- How else can we offer this content for folks with different abilities?
- How will we test with people who use assistive tech?
Staying Curious
Sometimes we make choices about platforms, tools, business based on hype or what's new and shiny. We don't stop to consider ethics, privacy, or access. We may not be aware of alternatives or better methods. But we can ask better questions. We can include more voices.
Inclusive design increases your audience, improves the stories we tell, resonates with more people, and yes – it also sells more.
Questions For You
- What lenses stand out to you?
- Where do you struggle with accessibility in your work?
Reply to this email with your burning questions or frustrations – I'd love to start a conversation. If you want help with an audit, accessibility statement, or a "shift left" process, I'm here.
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