Accessibility isn’t just about a ramp for wheelchairs… it’s also about how you build your brand to ensure everyone can engage and thrive.

In today’s business world, creating an inclusive brand is a necessity.?As an inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) advocate, I knew that?rebranding my business had to be more than just a visual makeover. It had to be accessible, welcoming, and representative of everyone, including those with different abilities.?This rebranding journey was not about compliance but about setting a new standard for how businesses can be more inclusive.

The Need for an Accessible Brand

An accessible brand ensures that everyone—regardless of their abilities—can engage with an organization's messaging, products, and services. While representation across race, gender, and sexual orientation is often prioritized, accessibility for people with different abilities is sometimes overlooked. But with?over 1 billion people globally experiencing some form of medical condition?(according to the World Health Organization), I knew that this was a vital consideration for my brand.

?

The Business Case for Accessibility

There’s also a strong business case for accessibility.?A 2022 study by Accenture showed that companies with robust accessibility practices experienced 28% higher revenue growth over four years compared to those without.?Making accessibility a core part of branding not only broadens reach but also drives growth.

?

How I Rebranded for Visual Accessibility

In early 2024, I embarked on a comprehensive rebranding initiative, with the primary goal of ensuring that my brand was accessible to everyone. This meant carefully selecting color contrasts that were suitable for those with vision impairments, adjusting font sizes for readability, and creating materials that work well with screen readers.

?

I also?developed clear guidelines for my team and vendors, with specific do’s and don’ts, so that everyone involved could understand the principles of accessibility. This included using color combinations that are friendly to people with?color vision deficiency and avoiding overly complex graphics.

?

Enhancing Customer Experience

An accessible brand isn’t just good practice—it enhances the overall customer experience. According to Forrester, companies with strong accessibility practices can see up to 23% higher customer retention rates. I’ve seen this firsthand, as many clients and followers have responded positively to the changes. Accessibility is about making every interaction smoother, clearer, and more inclusive.

?

Beyond that, an accessible brand is perceived as more authentic and trustworthy. In an era where consumers are wary of performative allyship, a genuine commitment to accessibility stands out. I’ve found that by prioritizing accessibility in everything I do, I’ve built stronger relationships with my audience and clients.

?

Practical Tips for Building an Accessible Brand

If you’re considering a similar journey, here are some practical steps I recommend:

1. Start with an audit: Assess your current branding to identify accessibility gaps.
2. Invest in inclusive design: Work with designers and developers who understands accessibility.
3. Create clear guidelines: Develop do’s and don’ts that guide your brand’s visuals and messaging.
4. Choose the right partners: Collaborate with agencies that have experience in inclusive design.
5. Engage the community: Involve people with different abilities in the design process to ensure their perspectives shape the outcome.

?

Conclusion: My Ongoing Commitment to Accessibility

For me, creating an accessible brand is an ongoing commitment. It’s about constantly asking, “Is this truly accessible to everyone?” I hope my journey inspires others to make inclusion a priority in their branding. By working with the right partners, setting clear guidelines, and prioritizing accessibility,?we can create brands that genuinely reflect our values and serve everyone equally.

?

Cheers,

Michael