Lets Talk About Accessibility:

In April of 2024 new legislation was published updating the rules of Accessibility of web content and mobile apps for a completion date of April of 2026.? Of course time is needed to make changes.? Organizations will want to create a committee, propose a plan, find appropriate vendors, produce changes, ensure quality insurance and bring it to the public. But what happens to those who need these changes during those 2 years?

Accessibility should be the forefront of every organization. Not just because 13% of the population has a disability - which can create brand awareness and loyalty if handled appropriately. And not because legislation requires it. Accessibility should be on top of mind because it is the right thing to do. ?

In my opinion, following the legislation is the bare minimum.? And the committee should consist of disabled individuals who have lived experience, as they are the true experts of the field. ?

Organizations like 沃尔玛 have taken appropriate steps through actions like hiring Victor Calise, PLY as the Director of Global Diversity, Accessibility Center of Excellence on the Belonging Team. Why was this a great hire? Because Victor uses a wheelchair and can make change based on his experiences and additionally Victor’s nearly 2 decades of work and research with NYC. Victor is more than qualified as a leader in this space and is often sought out globally to present. Congratulations Walmart for finding and landing with Victor!?

Another organization that has done an excellent job is University of California, San Francisco .? UCSF has highlighted disabled staff and faculty.? Individuals like Angela Woon can educate UCSF on equipment and technologies that the school should invest in to make it an equitable place, like a Braille eReader. Not only does Angela understand these technologies, but she’s spent her career in the nonprofit and health space. Angela is quoted acknowledging that while her education isn’t in the DEI space, her firsthand experience drives her to be an advocate for change.

UCSF also leans into Janhavi Bonville ’s experience as a once avid hiker and tennis player to now using a wheelchair.? Janhavi was instrumental in helping UCSF understand and make the changes.? Her years as a consultant and strategist are certainly pivotal in her ability to bring change and understanding wherever she goes.?

While it is important to be an ally, it is quite ableist of us to make changes without consulting the individuals who need these changes.? “People with disabilities are incredibly strong, incredibly resilient and great problem solvers” - Janhavi Bonville

Lastly, and to bring this back to Higher Education: Higher Education is under real threat with a pending decline of the 18 year old population.? As universities scramble for solutions there seems to be a real focus on “non traditional learners”.? I have yet to see a focus on traditional learners with unique experiences.? There are 1,121 college and universities in the United States with athletic teams. There are 23 universities and colleges in the United States with Parasports. ?

美国伊利诺伊大学香槟分校 is leading the charge with their wheelchair racing team.? University of Illinois sends several athletes to the Paralympics every 4 years.? And this program is lead by Adam Bleakney , someone with lived experiences. Not only did Adam compete in 4 Paralypmics, but he is a research affiliate at the Beckman Institute at Illinois and was an athlete under Paralympic legend Marty Morse .

What is your organization or university doing to bring awareness, make appropriate change, and checking your ablism?

United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee