What does accessibility mean to you?

19th May 2022 by Ellie Thompson

Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)!

It’s been so exciting to see how the popularity of GAAD has grown over the past few years. Accessibility is vital for our ability to survive and thrive in the world, and there is so much that we can each be doing to celebrate accessibility where we find it, and encourage it where we don’t.

We’re excited to be partnering with Charlotte Sweeney Associates, an organisation that shares our passion for inclusion and equity! And what better way to celebrate this news than on Global Accessibility Awareness Day?!

We asked members of our communities to share what accessibility means to them…

“Identifying what people’s needs are and responding equitably so that we all have equal access without barriers or exclusion.”

Zoe McIntosh, Graphic Design and Marketing at Charlotte Sweeney Associates

“Accessibility to me means not having to endure the ‘side effects’ of an environment.”

Amber Browne, Disability Services Coordinator at Diversity and Ability

“Having meaningful, workable options and choices, so that participation and involvement isn’t a strain or fuss.”

Chris Jenkins, Inclusion Consultant at Diversity and Ability

“Accessibility is the freedom to manoeuvre through society, whether that’s physically, socially, or online, without any external barriers hindering you. Accessibility is non-negotiable to a fair and equitable society.”

Elizabeth Pollitt, Insights Analyst at Charlotte Sweeney Associates

“Accessibility means attempting to redress the balance that marginalised people face in society, working towards equity in the knowledge that not everyone experiences the same routes to education, health care, social life, recreation, work, internet, food and everything that makes life what it is. Accessibility should be intrinsic to the way we design and develop things, resisting the prioritisation of those more privileged over the marginalisation of others.”

Maya Woodley, Operations and People Manager at Diversity and Ability

“Accessibility means, to me, not having to ask. It means that the sometimes awkward position of asking for access or an adjustment can provide a barrier to living and embracing life and its opportunities. Accessibility ensures that everyone is included, supported and embraced and no one is left behind.”

Alex Bacon, Training and Innovations Coordinator at Diversity and Ability

“Accessibility is removing all obstacles (both small and large) which most of us take for granted, enabling everyone to bring their best and simply focus on being themselves. Accessibility is inclusive design – with those who need it the most at the centre of it.”