Accessibility Is Everyone’s Responsibility

Selfie of Meryl wearing a purple shirt that says "I am a [blank] and accessibility is my responsibility."

I love this shirt from Knowbility that states: “I am a [blank] and accessibility is my responsibility.” Someone asked me why I hadn’t filled it in. I explained that I left it blank because I wanted others to see themselves in the statement. I want others to realize accessibility is their responsibility. Knowbility Executive Director … Read more

Ableism and Related Terms You Need to Know

illustration of two of the same person with pink and purple hair. One looks surprised and the other looks mad

It’s hard writing about topics like ableism, microaggressions, unconscious bias, and stereotypes. Ignoring uncomfortable topics gives power for them to continue. Hence, we need to learn about them, understand them, talk about them, and know how to address them. Otherwise, change will not happen. Ableism Most people know what racism, sexism, and ageism are. They … Read more

Disability Language and Navigating Its Nuances

An open book floating surrounded by shelves and stacks of books in a darkened bookstore

Trigger warning: Disability language I know … I know … Many folks are tired of political correctness. This includes knowing which words or phrases to use without offending someone. Disability language is a tricky thing. First, when it comes to disability language, there are two sides. One applies to disabled people and their allies. They … Read more

The Deaf Experience in Telehealth Accessibility

Abstract art paper art origami diorama of deaf person on a telehealth call, modern art ukiyo-e style, colorful.

The use of telehealth has boomed thanks to the pandemic. Even though the pandemic has passed, the healthcare industry continues to use telehealth. While telehealth is a great option for many, it wasn’t something I wanted to try as a deaf person. For those who don’t know me, I avoided it because I was born … Read more

How to Be an Accessibility Ally

Illustration with large screen that has a wheelchair icon in the middle. Person stands on one side with a mobile devices that sound crossed out, another mobile device that has eye crossed out. On the other side is a person who uses a wheelchair and a dialog with a heart

Many organizations boast about their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Yet, data shows they’re overlooking people with disabilities and accessibility. A survey by Return on Disability showed fewer than 2% of the participating companies mentioned people with disabilities in their diversity efforts. DEI absolutely includes people with disabilities and accessibility. Companies that don’t intentionally include … Read more

In Memory of Molly E. Holzschlag, the Fairy Godmother of the Web

Selfie of Molly and me with our heads next to each other and her arm around my shoulder. We both have shoulder-length dark curly hair. We're smiling big. Molly has a sleeveless purple blouse and I wear a shirt with #A11Y.

Trigger warning: Death The accessibility and disability community lost another giant. I lost a dear friend. Molly Holzschlag (1963 – 2023) Molly was a U.S. author, lecturer, and advocate of the Web as a tool of human potential. She had a background in linguistics, communications, mass media, social justice, human cognition, behavior, and sociology. Molly … Read more

Progress Over Perfection: The Better Way for Communication and Accessibility Advocacy

A bunch of progress over perfection stickers with the accessibility icon in the O of over making a rainbow and one in the middle

Progress over perfection in accessibility and disability inclusion applies to everyone. It can help with accessibility advocacy as well as people getting started in accessibility. Accessibility is everyone’s responsibility. The human resources department needs to ensure the hiring and employee benefits processes are accessible. Procurement needs to ensure the company buys accessible products and services. … Read more