4 Accessibility

“Just consider the lost revenue of investing in infrastructure, transportation, mobility, education, or the future of work solutions … that are not accessible to persons with disabilities. It simply does not make sense economically or socially.”

– Tamara Giltsoff, Director of the Assistive Technology Impact Fund, Global Disability Innovation Hub ^[1]

Accessibility refers to the design and use of products, devices, services, or environments such that they are usable by people with disabilities. This can include physical accessibility, such as the design of buildings and sidewalks, or digital accessibility, such as the design of websites and software applications.  It can also refer to financial, educational, institutional, and workplace accessibility, such that people are able to participate as active citizens, and as consumers, professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, and any other identities or vocations that are available to able-bodied individuals.

Accessibility is vital to inclusivity, equity, independence, and the ability to participate fully in the community.  It is also important in design fields and for businesses of all stripes (to expand markets, to be in legal compliance, and to achieve ESG goals).  Accessibility is also a crucial measure of the effectiveness of governments in democratic societies.