WE ROAR Magazine issue 04 - Magazine - Page 78
table. People need to feel like they belong at
that table, that their voice matters, and that
they’re part of the conversation. When we get
this right, we will all thrive together.
There have been many strides in DEIBA, yet
still a long way to go. How do you feel things
have changed over the past few years?
The conversation around DEIBA has evolved. A
few years ago, it felt like many companies saw
it as a 'nice to have,' but now, it’s clear that it’s
a 'must-have.' We’re seeing more companies
genuinely prioritize digital accessibility and
inclusion, not just to meet legal requirements,
but because they understand the ethical and
business benefits. That said, we still have a
long way to go. More than 96-percent of the
most popular websites have accessibility
barriers. We've made progress, but there’s a
lot more work to do in terms of changing
mindsets and embedding DEIBA into the fabric
of every organization.
We need policies that support accessibility
from day one, and resources that make it easier
for businesses to implement DEIBA in
meaningful
ways.
It’s
about
making
accessibility the norm, not the exception.
Why do you feel it's important to make
accessible tools "accessible" for all sizes (and
budgets) of businesses and creators?
Everyone deserves a shot at being part of the
digital world, regardless of their budget. The
reality is that most businesses out there are
small or medium-sized, and they face real
financial pressures. If we only provide
accessibility solutions to large corporations,
we're leaving behind the heart of our economy
—the local shops, the entrepreneurs, the
creators. By making our solutions scalable and
affordable, we empower every business, no
matter how big or small, to be part of the
accessibility revolution. And the truth is, when
everyone is included, we all win.
What needs to be done to create more
systemic change?
Systemic change starts with mindset shifts.
We need to move away from thinking of
accessibility and inclusion as an afterthought
or an obligation and start treating them as an
opportunity. This begins with leadership—
when leaders champion DEIBA as a core value,
it trickles down into the entire organization. But
beyond that, we need better education and
tools for businesses of all sizes.
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