Accessibility Blueprint

11/09/2024

You may have noticed that I turned on the dreaded LinkedIn "Open To Work" green banner recently. I will be documenting all of the bias and discrimination I experience in my job hunt process and sharing it with my LinkedIn followers so they can help lobby for more disability-inclusive employment experiences.

Job hunting is stressful for everyone. But for people with disabilities, it’s often a nightmare of extra hurdles — from deciding whether to disclose your disability to dealing with inaccessible application portals. I’ve written about some of the biggest headaches disabled job seekers face, including discriminatory job descriptions and lowball salary offers. If you're interested in creating a more inclusive job market, give it a read!

Woman interviewing man in wheelchair Job hunting is stressful for everyone. But for people with disabilities, the process is often fraught with additional...

10/09/2024

When leaders don’t prioritize accessibility, those inactions speak way louder than any words they might say. People always want to claim that they are doing good, but those words are meaningless without action that matches the words.

Without leadership buy-in, accessibility efforts are underfunded, understaffed, and treated as an afterthought—if they’re addressed at all. This trickles down, creating an environment where both customers and employees with disabilities are left on the sidelines, their needs completely ignored.

If executives aren’t leading the charge on accessibility, it’s not just a missed opportunity—it’s a recipe for failure. When (not if) a demand letter is received from one of the plaintiff's firms that specialize in ADA litigation, this inaction will not look good in front of a mediator or jury. Accessibility needs to be embedded in every decision, every strategy, and every project from the top down. It’s not just a checkbox; it’s a commitment that starts in the C-suite and impacts every segment of the organization.

If you’re in a leadership role, ask yourself: are you supporting accessibility or letting a toxic structure take root? And if you are an accessibility team member, what does your leadership look like and can you manage up to improve inclusion? It’s time to step up and make accessibility a core value. 🌱

Alt: Toxic accessibility frequently starts with a lack of executive support.

09/09/2024

No meme today, I am too sad about the death of autistic student Mason Schermerhorn who was tragically killed in the Georgia school shooting on September 4, 2024. His death is not just another tragedy; it’s a symptom of an uncontrolled epidemic where people with disabilities are more likely to die in mass shootings, natural disasters, and during police interactions due to systemic neglect.

Mason’s death serves as a harsh reminder that disabled individuals are often an afterthought in emergency planning. He, like so many others, faced unnecessary risks because the system designed to protect him didn’t account for his needs. The lack of accessible evacuation routes and staff trained to assist in emergencies left him vulnerable in a situation where every second mattered.

This is part of a much larger issue. Whether it’s the Paradise fires, the Bataclan theater attack, or Hurricane Katrina, people with disabilities have consistently been the ones who suffer most in times of crisis. And until this changes, we cannot claim to have achieved societal equity.

I encourage you to read this a It’s time we stop ignoring this life-and-death issue and start demanding real change.

We will not have achieved societal equity until this discriminatory bias has been eliminated.

People with disabilities die at substantiallyhigher rates in natural disasters, police interactions,and mass casualty events.We will not have achieved...

04/09/2024

We all have the same 24 hours" is one of those sayings that sounds wise, but in reality, it's empty and, in many cases, discriminatory.

As someone with multiple disabilities, I know firsthand that we don’t have the same 24 hours as everyone else. The disability time thief is real, and it steals moments, hours, and sometimes entire days from people with disabilities. Whether it’s waiting for accessible tools, managing health routines, or simply trying to navigate a world that isn’t designed for us, the time tax adds up. It’s not just a disability issue—it's an intersectional one, impacting those who are also BIPOC, womxn, or living in poverty-- all of which are more likely when you have a disability.

Please note that I am not complaining about this. What I am doing is using my platform to identify our reality that we face every day. The idea that "what you do with your time is up to you" ignores the systemic barriers that steal time from those with disabilities and other intersecting identities.

So, what are you going to do? Read my blog and challenge this ableist, racist, and sexist belief whenever you hear it. Let’s create a world where time isn’t a privilege, but something we all have access to—equally. 🌍

Wooden hourglass “We all have the same 24 hours” is an empty maxim. Commonly followed by “What you do with it is up to you” or “Successful people just...

03/09/2024

When interacting with someone with a disability, it's critical to consider the impact of your words. Often, well-meaning comments like “What happened to you?”, “Good for you!”, or “I can’t believe you’ve accomplished so much” are intended to be supportive. But to the person on the receiving end, they can feel patronizing, ableist, or fall into the category of inspiration p**n.

Why does this matter? These phrases reinforce harmful stereotypes that people with disabilities are either objects of pity or superhuman for doing everyday tasks. They assume that the bar is lower for people with disabilities. Instead of making assumptions or offering unsolicited praise, take a moment and ask yourself: Would I appreciate this comment if it were directed at me?

Empathy and respect should guide our interactions. Let’s aim for conversations that uplift without undermining and support without stereotypes.

Alt: Never say to a person with a disability what you wouldn't want said to yourself. Phrases like 'what happened to you?', 'good for you' or 'I can't believe you've accomplished so much' often come across as ableist or just plain inspiration poem.

02/09/2024

Traveling with a Disability: The Packing List You Didn’t Think About

I went out of town last weekend and very much felt like the woman in this picture. I was going to be gone less than 24 hours, except I had a medium-sized suitcase completely crammed with stuff that I needed related to my disability.

For most people, packing for a trip means tossing clothes and toiletries into a suitcase and maybe remembering a phone charger. But for someone with a disability, the list gets a lot longer—and more critical.

Medication: Forgetting medication isn’t just inconvenient; it can be life-threatening. This means packing enough for the entire trip (plus extra, just in case).

- Medical Equipment: CPAP machines, insulin pumps, nebulizers—the list goes on. And don’t forget the *batteries, cables, and adaptors* to keep everything powered up.

-Mobility Aids: Wheelchair, walker, cane, or crutches—traveling without these isn’t an option.

-Adaptive Equipment: Special utensils, grip aids, or communication devices that make daily tasks possible.

- Special Foods: Dietary restrictions mean bringing along foods that might not be available where you’re going.
- Emergency Information: A file with all your medical information, prescriptions, and doctor’s contact details.

-Comfort Items: Whether it’s a weighted blanket, special pillow, or noise-canceling headphones, these items help manage stress and sensory overload.

Packing all these things means meticulous planning and a bigger suitcase, but it also means the difference between a smooth trip and a potential disaster. And yet, it’s just one more thing disabled travelers have to think about that others might take for granted.

Alt: A woman at a train station with an oversized traveling bag on her back with a written caption: Me, everything I need to take for an "overnight trip" because of my disability

28/08/2024

Disability in Diversity: The Missing Piece

When I start a new contract or job, one of my first meetings is with the Chief Diversity Officer. Why? Because disability is often the forgotten piece of the diversity puzzle. Despite completing two DEI certification programs, I was surprised to find that neither the instructors nor my classmates understood disabilities or accessibility.
It’s a glaring omission, considering that people with disabilities make up 19% of the American population, yet remain underrepresented in diversity initiatives.

Companies may have disability ERGs and run recruiting campaigns, but internal accessibility often falls short. Many employees with disabilities struggle with inaccessible tools and are afraid to speak up, fearing job security. Instead of true accessibility, they’re often offered “reasonable accommodations” that feel more like “separate but equal,” perpetuating inequality within the workplace.

It’s time for change. Disability must be a specific component of diversity, and accessibility teams need to collaborate with DEI teams to ensure all tools are accessible. Aligning these efforts will create a better experience for everyone. Want to learn more? Read my latest article below to explore how we can bridge this gap and make organizations truly inclusive. 🌍

Circle split into thirds showing Diversity flowing into Equity with the word Knowledge appearing in the overlap, Equity flowing into inclusion with the word...

27/08/2024

One of the most insidious forms of ableism is denying that disability discrimination exists. When people say, "Oh, we treat everyone the same," they miss the point by a mile. Equal treatment doesn't mean equitable treatment, and it certainly doesn't erase the barriers that people with disabilities face every day. I have been on the receiving end of these denials, and I would be lying if I said they didn't hurt. https://lnkd.in/dYiPNzk6

By denying that disability discrimination exists, you're essentially invalidating the lived experience of people with disabilities. The most generous interpretation of these denials is an implication our struggles are imaginary. A less charitable interpretation is the implication that disabled people deserve the treatment they are receiving or that we are the cause of the discrimination, where the true cause is the social systems that marginalize us. This mindset is a prime example of ableism, where the non-disabled experience is seen as the "norm," and anything else is either overlooked or dismissed.

We can't make progress until we acknowledge that disability discrimination is real and happens far too often—whether it's in the workplace, in education, or even in public spaces. Ignoring it won't make it disappear; it only allows the status quo to continue unchallenged. Don't forget that disabled people can be ableist as well, whether through prioritizing visible disabilities over invisible ones or labels such as high or low functioning.

Let’s call it what it is: ableism. Let’s also pledge to do better by listening to and validating the experiences of people with disabilities and participating in enacting solutions. Until we do, we're contributing to the problem.

Alt: Denying ableism exists is another form of ableism.

26/08/2024

Disability isn't a one-time event—it's a year-round reality.

The needs and feelings of people with disabilities don’t just exist on special days or in certain months. We live our experiences every single day, navigating a world that often overlooks or even deliberately obstructs our needs. While awareness campaigns and designated months like Disability Pride Month are important, true inclusion means recognizing and addressing accessibility issues 365 days a year.

🔧 Accessibility is about more than ramps and captions. It’s about ensuring that every digital and physical is designed or retrofitted to avoid excluding people.

🤝 Inclusion requires commitment from everyone—employers, educators, designers, policymakers—to continuously push for environments that support all people, every day.

It is essential to keep the conversation going beyond the "special" days and months. Accessibility and inclusion must be a year-round priority. People with disabilities live their experiences every day, and they deserve access every step of the way.

Alt: A calendar meme with the caption: July is over, but I'm still proud of what I've been able to overcome despite my disability.

21/08/2024

Back-to-School Alert for Parents of Students with Disabilities!🌟

August isn't just the end of summer—it's the final call to get final touches on IEPs and 504 Plans in shape for your student for the new school year.

Crafting an effective plan requires thoughtful collaboration, clear goals, and a deep understanding of each student's unique needs. This article highlights where to start and how to improve last year’s plan. Don't forget, planning for what to do when things go off the rails is part of every good IEP,

Give your child the best chance of success. Check out the article here and ensure a smooth start to the school year!

Scrabble letters spelling out Back To School on a yellow legal pad of papre. Image by Image by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay August marks the end of summer...

20/08/2024

When people with disabilities speak out about discrimination, it's not to make others uncomfortable—it's to shine a light on injustices that are frequently overlooked or ignored. The discomfort you feel hearing about these issues is a fraction of what we experience living with them.
Speaking up matters because of:

• Awareness: Talking about discrimination helps others see the barriers we face. We can’t be surprised when nothing changes if we don't speak up. Yes. it sucks that the people being discriminated against are the ones who have to bear the burden of solving the problem. But, that’s the environment we currently live in.

• Change: You can’t begin fixing a problem until the stakeholders acknowledge there is one.
• Empowerment: Sharing experiences empowers others to stand up for their rights.

Imagine:
• Feeling excluded because your workplace isn't accessible.
• Being judged or retaliated against or belittled for asking for reasonable accommodations.
• Experiencing bias in hiring or promotions due to a disability.
Asks
• If you feel uncomfortable hearing about discrimination, use that discomfort as a catalyst for change.
• Listen, learn, and be an ally in creating inclusive environments.
• Remember, addressing discrimination benefits everyone, leading to more equitable and just workplaces and communities.

When a disabled person raises an issue about accessibility, we aren’t blaming people. It’s about getting others to understand the issue and seeing solutions in action. Let's work together to turn discomfort into progress.

Alt:
paragraph one: You said I made you feel uncomfortable because I complained about disability discrimination?

Paragraph two: Imagine my discomfort in experiencing the discrimination in the first place.

19/08/2024

Ride share companies must be held accountable when drivers cancel on customers with service dogs. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s blatant discrimination affecting the independence and dignity of disabled individuals. The ADA is clear: service dogs are allowed in public places, including ride share vehicles. Yet, drivers continue to cancel rides, violating federal law.

Drivers claiming allergies or other concerns are unacceptable. If you can’t comply with ADA regulations, perhaps ride-share driving isn’t for you. Companies must train drivers on legal obligations and manage concerns without denying rights. What ride-share companies are doing currently is clearly not working.

Being stranded because a driver refuses a service dog is humiliating and erodes trust in ride shares. This issue is part of these companies “move fast and break things” culture. Introducing services like Uber Pet has worsened confusion. Service dogs are not pets; they are working animals protected by law.
It's imperative that companies track data pertaining to service animals, enforce strict penalties for violations, and invest in robust training programs. Previous attempts at voluntary compliance have proven ineffective. Regulatory agencies must step in and enforce laws with substantial penalties to ensure accountability.

Alt: Male rideshare driver looking angrily through the passenger windowputting on sunglasses looking back confused with the caption: "Ride share driver's look when they see you have a service dog"

14/08/2024

I recently visited a small rural shop, and discovered the entrance ramp was incredibly short and steep—so steep that I needed my husband's help to use it. If I had been by myself, I would not have been able to go into the store. I politely mentioned this to the shop owner, thinking they might not be aware of how challenging the ramp was. The response I received was disheartening: "The government requires a ramp. I put in a ramp." That was it. No further discussion, no acknowledgment of the problem, no accountability, not even the standard "sorry, but not really sorry."

This incident isn't just about a single store. The shop owner’s sentiment of “I’ve done what you forced me to do. Why are you bothering me about it?” is a stark reminder of how easily the needs of disabled people are dismissed in the name of compliance.

The ramp existed, yet it didn’t solve the access problem; it created a new one. The only thing worse than retailers not knowing about accessibility is knowing about it and not caring to do anything more than appearing to have complied with the law when they really haven't. Ramps that are too steep to use are effectively a “Disabled People Not Welcome” sign.

As I left the store, I realized that I had no real recourse. Sure, I could file a government complaint, but those usually go nowhere. The alternative is litigation. Even if I had the time, money, or energy, I might then get publicly "named, blamed, and shamed" for taking money out of a small business owner's pocket. People with disabilities just want to spend our money without having to risk injury or wage a legal battle for the right to do so. And I bought only what I came for, I did not browse and potentially spend more of my money there.

So, I left the shop knowing that the ramp would stay just as it was—steep, dangerous, and symbolic of a much broader societal issue. The law might require a ramp, but it doesn’t require empathy, understanding, or even basic decency. And that’s where society is failing, abysmally. True accessibility isn’t about doing the bare minimum to avoid a fine; it’s about creating spaces where everyone can participate equally. When that doesn’t happen, it’s not just a failure of the ramp—it’s a failure of inclusion, and it’s a reminder that the fight for accessibility is far from over.

14/08/2024

You see a new article or product related to accessibility. How do you know whether it's worth spending your time on? Here are a couple of quick checks:

1. Does it reflect lived experience? If the author or product developer doesn't have direct experience with disabilities or hasn't worked closely with those who do, it’s a red flag. Accessibility is more than just meeting standards—it’s about truly understanding how people with disabilities interact with products and services.

2. Who bears the burden? Watch out for products that place the responsibility on the disabled individual to adapt. For instance, sign language gloves may seem innovative, but they oversimplify ASL, shifting the burden onto deaf individuals rather than encouraging broader societal understanding.

Read more in this article. By considering these concepts, you can better and more quickly judge if something is genuinely valuable or just another attempt that misses the mark on true inclusion. Don’t spend your time or money on solutions that were created for people with disabilities rather than with people with disabilities.

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash I read a lot of articles about accessibility, and also try out a lot of accessibility-related products. Some of them are...

13/08/2024

For far too long, society has imposed definitions and judgments on what it means to be disabled. But here's the truth: disability is a deeply personal experience, unique to every individual.

Our essence of self-determination is diminished when others impose their definitions of our abilities or limitations on us. Only you can truly understand the daily challenges and barriers you face and gauge how these impact your life, your work, and your relationships. Two people can have the exact same diagnosis and impact, and one might consider themselves disabled and the other doesn't. And that's OK. Disability is not just about the medical condition but the support the individual receives, and the environment they live in. Even whether the medical condition is congenital or acquired can factor into one's self-identity of disability.

The disabled narrative must shift from societal labels to personal empowerment. You are the expert on your own experience. By reclaiming this authority, you pave the way for genuine inclusion and accessibility. You also pave the path for others. You are in charge of your own narrative.

Next time someone questions your needs or attempts to invalidate your experiences, remember that their opinion does not define your reality. Only what you think matters.

Alt: The only person who can legitimately decide whether you're disabled is you.

12/08/2024

😊 Good News: There has been a noticeable increase in senior accessibility job postings recently. This uptick is a positive sign that organizations are recognizing the importance of accessibility and are seeking experts to lead these crucial initiatives.

😔 Bad News: This surge is driven by impending deadlines. In the U.S., Title II agencies are rushing to comply with accessibility mandates, while in Europe, companies are preparing for the requirements of the European Accessibility Act.

While seeing more job opportunities is great, there is the distinct possibility that this interest is being driven from a place of fear and compliance, not inclusion. Also, it takes 18-36 months to get a large organization from being terrible at accessibility to being half-way decent at it. and these two deadlines are much closer than that.

Let's continue to advocate for a deeper commitment to accessibility that extends beyond deadlines. Impossible asks combined with ridiculous deadlines and low budgets can lead to burnout. Your role in this advocacy is crucial. Together, we can ensure that accessibility remains a priority and continues to get the attention it deserves long after the compliance dates have passed.

A meme showing a young lady dressed in white standing in front of a wave several stories tall with written written caption: Title II and European Accessibility Act and the product owners.

07/08/2024

August is already here. As the summer winds down, it's time to gear up for the new school year. For students with disabilities, this means ensuring their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans are ready to provide the support they need to succeed. My own challenging experiences before IDEA was enacted have made me deeply committed to helping others navigate this process.

Over the years, I’ve assisted in creating more than 200 IEPs and 504 plans, primarily for children with hearing loss and autism. In my latest article, I share essential steps for crafting effective special education plans, providng the best chance at a positive and empowering start to the school year for all students. Click the link to read more and ensure you’re fully prepared for the upcoming school year!** 📅📈

Scrabble letters spelling out Back To School on a yellow legal pad of papre. Image by Image by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay August marks the end of summer...

06/08/2024

Ever think business is a lot like sports? Let me tell you a story from my archery coaching days in California that might just hit the mark for you.

🏹 I was coaching a group of kids aged 8-16. After one round, one of the younger archers returned with my arrows with a worried look on his face. “Oh no, Coach Sheri! What happened?," he said, "you had four in the yellow and two in the black!”

🤔 To a 12-year-old, it looked like I’d messed up or had a serious malfunction. Four arrows were grouped nicely in the yellow, and two were way off in the black. He saw it as a failure. But Caleb didn’t know I’d hit precisely what I aimed for.

💡 Here’s the scoop: My first four shots were the tightly grouped arrows in the yellow. I then aimed for the black ring with the last two because I didn’t want to risk damaging my expensive arrows right before heading to Canada for the summer. I wanted a full workout, and shooting only four arrows wasn’t enough. Learning to "shoot off" (which means aiming somewhere other than the center) in archery also helps handle tricky situations like wind where you can’t consistently score well if you are only aiming at the middle.

TL;DR: In business, like in archery, you’re not always aiming for the bullseye. It’s about hitting what you’re aiming at. Set your targets, know your goals, and celebrate hitting them—even if they aren’t dead center.

Alt: Success is not always hitting the bullseye. success is hitting what you are aiming for.

05/08/2024

🌟 When you are asked to create an accessible product, tell them to create an accessible experience.

🔍 An accessible product alone might meet the minimum standards for the product, but an accessible experience ensures inclusivity at every touchpoint. Accessible products are important, but accessible experiences go beyond mere functionality to create environments where everyone feels valued and included.

🛠️ An accessible experience addresses not just the product itself, but the entire interaction journey. It considers user needs at every stage, ensuring that accessibility isn’t just a feature but an integral part of how users engage with the product.

🌐 Accessible experiences consider the diverse ways users interact with your product, ensuring that each step, from initial contact to daily use, maintenance, and, yes, deprecation, is intuitive and accommodating. This holistic approach goes beyond compliance to foster genuine usability and satisfaction.

🚀 Focusing on the experience is a proactive approach that means anticipating and addressing barriers users might face and smashing them before a user ever runs into them. It’s about understanding the context in which the product is used and making sure that accessibility is woven into every aspect of that experience, rather than being an afterthought.

🌈 Accessible experiences ensure that every user, regardless of their abilities, can engage with and benefit from your product through its entire interaction cycle in a meaningful way. Accessible experiences are not about checking compliance boxes, but about creating environments where all users can thrive as independently as possible.

🔑 When you are asked to create an accessible product, the right answer is always to create an accessible experience. This is the key to ensuring that your product is truly inclusive and valuable to all users.

🤝 Want to show that you are an ally/a11y? Lobby for the accessible experience.

Alt: Two buttons design with different write up. Button one: Accessible Product Button two: Accessible Experience
and a man with white handkerchief below cleaning his sweaty face with a written caption: always push the accessible experience button.

01/08/2024

Excited about the new "Blind Barbie"? Lots of people are. While it's a big step towards inclusivity, there's definitely more to the story. I did a deep dive into the entire Barbie experience to see where Mattel shines and where they can improve with respect to disability inclusion. This is personal as someone who grew up without a doll that represented me. From the label "Blind Barbie" to color choices, social media presence, games, and websites, there's a lot to discuss. Check out my detailed analysis in this article and let's talk about what genuine organic accessibility looks like!
https://buttondown.email/access-ability/archive/is-blind-barbie-really-inclusive/

Alt: Screenshot from Sheri Byrne-Haber’s laptop showing the Barbie Fashionistas website with an overwhelming amount of pink. The page view is a specific Barbie (Striped top, pink skirt, sunglasses, 65th anniversary). In the lower-left corner is an icon of a black and white human figure with a circle and a green dot and text that says “Exit Accessibility Mode”

I am trying an experiment given how many people told me they were interested in the article on Barbie, but I am surprised with the low engagement yesterday.