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Accessibility is Everyone's Business
Webinar Recap

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Webinar Purpose

 

To raise awareness of accessibility in the workplace through lived experience, practical insights, and actionable steps. The session positioned accessibility as more than a compliance task – it’s a cultural mindset and business opportunity.

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Introduction

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  • About David: Legal tech strategist with nearly 30 years’ experience. Founder of BlindSpot Solutions. Legally blind, drawing on lived experience to inform accessibility work.

  • Housekeeping: Session included captions. Q&A summary to be sent post-webinar.

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Accessibility: The Reality

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  • 74% of people with disability do not request workplace accommodations – often due to stigma or previous negative experiences.

  • 2 in 3 blind or low-vision people abandon inaccessible websites.

  • $16B USD lost globally by e-commerce due to poor accessibility.

  • 50% of accessibility accommodations cost nothing; average cost of paid ones is around $300 AUD.

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Lived Experience Story: A “Routine” Meeting

 

David shared a layered example from a client visit, where small access barriers – lift navigation, reception check-in, Wi-Fi logins, presentation tech – compounded into a stressful experience.

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Key takeaway: Accessibility issues are often a collection of small friction points, not just single large events.

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What Accessibility Is and Is Not 

 

Not:

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  • Just a compliance task or a box to tick

  • A one-time fix

  • Someone else’s problem

  • Only for people with visible disabilities

  • A high-cost undertaking

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Is:

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  • A lens through which to view the workplace

  • A way to reduce friction

  • An ongoing commitment

  • A business opportunity

  • A tool to create better client, visitor, and staff experiences

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Who Accessibility Is For

 

Accessibility benefits everyone — not just people with permanent disabilities.

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Examples:

  • A parent with a pram (mobility)

  • Someone who forgot their glasses (vision)

  • A person with an ear infection or in a noisy environment (hearing)

  • Someone grieving or overwhelmed (neurodivergent)

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The Four Pillars of Accessibility

 

Physical

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  • Step-free access, wide pathways, high-contrast signage

  • Accessible toilets, usable kitchens, quiet spaces​

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Digital

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  • Websites, PDFs, internal platforms must support screen readers and keyboard navigation

  • Captions, transcriptions, clear language, alt text​​

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Procedural

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  • Inclusive recruitment and onboarding

  • Clear accommodations process for leave, adjustments, etc.

  • Example: A psychometric test that created unnecessary hurdles due to visual design​​

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Cultural

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  • Staff awareness and inclusive attitudes

  • Top-down leadership buy-in

  • Example: Phone procurement blocked due to “executive-only” policy, despite valid accessibility need

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Busting Common Myths

 

Myth: Accessibility is only for people with disabilities

Reality: It benefits everyone

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Myth: We’ll fix it if someone complains

Reality: Most don’t complain. Inaction leads to risk.

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Myth: It’s too expensive

Reality: Many solutions are free or low cost

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Myth: No one in our office has a disability

Reality: Many disabilities are invisible and undisclosed

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Myth: It’s just about ramps and screen readers

Reality: It’s also about policies, culture, digital platforms, and everyday interactions

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Keeping the Conversation Going

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  • This is just the beginning. Real change comes from continued action.

  • Start small: Check Wi-Fi signage, reception seating, emergency plans.

  • Look at your workplace through another lens – even small changes can have a big impact.

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Accessibility Services Available

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  • Accessibility Awareness Toolkit: Includes checklists, policy templates, barrier guides, and more

  • Workplace Accessibility Review: A lived experience walk-through of your office, with a tailored findings report

  • Accessibility Awareness Workshop: Interactive team training to build understanding and reduce discomfort

  • Coming Soon: Online Accessibility Awareness Course: Self-paced learning for onboarding or annual training

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More info and resources at www.blindspot.solutions

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Wrap Up

 

Thank you for joining the webinar and taking a meaningful step toward creating a more inclusive workplace. Accessibility isn’t about ticking boxes – it’s about removing friction, fostering belonging, and unlocking the full potential of your people. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to go deeper, our practical tools and services are designed to support your journey. You’ll find everything we covered – and more at www.blindspot.solutions. Let’s keep the conversation going and make accessibility everyone’s business.

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