7 Ways to Champion Accessibility in Your Company
...when it's hard.
You can listen to the main article in this newsletter (read by me).
Hello everyone,
"I'm the only one interested in accessibility at my company," a friend said, frustrated, a few days ago. In today's world, ensuring accessibility in airports and public transport companies is more crucial than ever, but implementing change can sometimes be challenging.
Despite some progress, constant setbacks and challenges remind us that the journey towards an inclusive society is ongoing. From the lack of implemented accessibility goals over attitudes to the persistent barriers faced by disabled passengers - "we aren't there yet" when it comes to providing accessibility for all.
If you feel implementing accessibility in your organisation is hard, here are some thoughts that might help you:
1. Recognise your allies
Remember, you are not alone in this mission, even if it feels like that sometimes. The progress made in accessibility over the years is a testament to the power of collective effort. Who are your allies? Engage with others, and always remember who you're doing the work for. Talk with others in the same role at other organisations. Learn from them and use them as a sounding board.
2. Document your progress
Track your improvements and achievements, even those that are challenging to measure or seem small. Look at this list of accomplishments every two weeks and reflect on what you have achieved and what went well.
3. Talk to your bosses
Be brave. Ask the leaders in your organisation the right questions, even if nobody else does, especially if accessibility is in your job title or part of your role. Good leaders support people who want to see progress in accessibility and inclusion and have a focus on customer needs.
4. Don't underestimate your influence
Every person has some influence and power. Reflect on your skills and how to use them to advocate for accessibility. What resources can you access? How can you strategically use your influence to drive change? Speak up. Be bold.
5. Keep asking the right questions
Never forget that accessibility work is deeply rooted in the disability rights movement and is a strong driver of innovation. And it's simply the right thing to do. Constantly ask, "How can we make this more accessible?". If you have a better solution, say so. Use examples of why things should be different and what impact that would have. There will always be people who don't want change or fear additional work. Remember, you can't please everyone, especially not in accessibility. Focus on those who support you and your purpose.
6. Stick to your values
Don't sell your soul, and be persistent. Yes, you have to compromise sometimes, but only sometimes and definitely not if that compromise leads to compliance issues or broken standards. If teams cut accessibility corners early and nobody raises an eyebrow, lobbying internally for accessibility will be more difficult for you in the future.
7. Engage with the community
If internal efforts feel challenging, remember that change often starts at the grassroots level. Engage with the disability community, listen to their experience, and tell their stories in your organisation.
If you need any help with the issues above or want to give me feedback about this newsletter, please reply to this email.
I would be happy if you could recommend the newsletter to colleagues and friends!
Have a great week!
Christiane Link
Some interesting links
Transport for London has added mini ramps at an additional 17 Tube stations and interchange platforms. Mini ramps were developed for customers for whom a smaller step/gap at accessible stations is a barrier. They particularly help customers who use mobility aids with small or swivel wheels, offering them additional comfort and reassurance. Mini ramps are now available at 57 step-free and step-free interchange Tube stations.
Review platform Yelp adds new accessibility features to help disabled people find accessible businesses. The search for “wheelchair accessible” locations rose by 40% from 2020 to 2023.
Switzerland will make 42 more stations accessible by the end of the year, making 1,131 of the approximately 1,800 stations accessible. By the end of 2027, 217 more railway stations and stops should be adapted for disabled travellers. Switzerland missed its original target of making all stations accessible by the end of 2023. (There is also a press release in German.)
Why am I still on Twitter/X? I discussed this with Gavin Karlmeier in the fabulous podcast “Haken dran.” We discussed Twitter’s role for social movements and marginalised groups and why I really miss “the German voice” on Twitter right now. If you don’t speak German, you can try English auto-captions on YouTube.
Something to watch
The social model of disability - explained with Superman and the Kryptonians.
Something to listen to
Charlotte Vuyiswa McClain-Nhlapo, Global Disability Advisor at the World Bank, discusses the challenges disabled people face in accessing inclusive transport globally. She explores the World Bank's efforts to support disabled people through technology and legislation. The podcast also discusses promoting disability inclusion through Sustainable Development Goals and social justice in city planning.
Some final words
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Who is writing this newsletter?
I’m Christiane Link, and I improve the customer experience in aviation, transport, and travel. I worked as a journalist for over two decades and travelled extensively for business and leisure. I’m a wheelchair user.
Work with me
Whether you're a Customer service director, a Head of Customer Experience, a corporate Accessibility manager, a DEI leader, a transport planner, or a disabled employee resource group member, I can help you to make your organisation more inclusive. You can book me for speaking engagements or hire me as a consultant for your accessibility or DEI strategy, communications advice and other related matters. I have worked for airlines, airports, train operators, public transport providers, and companies in other sectors.
If you want to read more from me, follow me on LinkedIn, Twitter, Bluesky or Mastodon. You can also reply to this email if you want to contact me.
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