10 Reasons You and Your Organization Should be Doing Accessibility Research
With 1 in 4 adults experiencing some sort of disability, accessibility research is an important and growing space. Learning about and understanding accessibility matters.
“I don’t even like calling them disabilities … I say they are my superpowers. When you [have a disability], you really do think differently. These are the innovators and entrepreneurs … I really try to be an advocate for it.”
Why accessibility research matters for YOUR BUSINESS
People with disabilities bring unique perspectives and creative ways to problem-solve based on their own experiences. In addition to their own perspectives, they frequently have ideas on how to problem-solve for ALL in their community.
People are more similar than different. Solving problems for those with accessibility needs benefits everyone. What might be a minor inconvenience one person may be a full-on roadblock for another, but we all benefit.
There is potential to increase brand loyalty. Showing you care and making the effort to listen and include those with accessibility needs goes a long way.
Accessibility communities are very active. People are constantly sharing their experiences (good or bad) with products, brands, and companies. Being a stand out in a powerful community is a huge asset.
Disabilities are as unique as the individual. No two experiences are exactly the same even for people with the same disability. Taking a one size fits all approach could inadvertently alienate your consumer.
Why accessibility research is important for YOUR professional growth
You will create connection. Some of our best conversations have occurred during our accessibility interviews. You are likely to meet incredibly smart, creative, positive people with powerful stories.
You will feel motivated. Listening to stories of adversity and how people have learned to live with and or adapt to their situation is both motivating and inspiring.
The work will make you feel good. It’s rewarding and important to feel like you are bringing forth a voice and a story that isn’t always heard, and really making a difference.
You will start to think differently and more creatively. We’ve learned so much from the accessibility conversations and have challenged ourselves to think in ways we never would have.
Your empathy skills will improve. Whether it’s dismantling judgment or using solution imagination, accessibility research will likely hit upon the 5 Steps to Empathy.
Here are a few tips on how to proceed with accessibility research
Accept that you may feel hesitant, anxious and unsure of yourself at first. When we got out of our own heads, we realized it's not any different from any other kind of moderating.
Be prepared to pivot and flex. Everyone has different needs, styles and preferences. It's important to figure out the approach that works best for each individual and their accessibility needs.
Get familiar with the accessibility community. Immerse yourself by reading and following blogs and social media groups focused on accessibility (e.g., Babies Down, Bottles Up is a FB group for blind moms).
Thinking about a DEI initiative? We’d love to chat with you! The ROI for you and your business is worth it.
For more on empathy and it’s ROI, check out these reads:
REBOOT YOUR INTUITION FOR THE WIN