Why ‘Inclusion’ Isn’t Complete Without Talking About Accessibility
Let's be honest: 'inclusion' has a bit of a PR problem.
It is everywhere. Corporate values are firmly entrenched. Printed on hiring posters. Hashtag used in leadership speeches. However, when the conversation about diversity and equity fails to address accessibility, we are essentially throwing a party without building the ramp.
This Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD 2025), it's time to get real: Inclusion without accessibility is exclusion with good intentions.
The Inclusion Illusion
Consider this scenario: your company launches a brand new employee engagement platform. It features polls, GIFs, chatrooms, and even AI-powered analytics. Everyone is excited—except the visually impaired analyst, who is unable to navigate it because it was not coded for screen readers. Or the deaf coder who misses half of the context during company town halls because the captions are not real-time. Alternatively, an employee with ADHD may turn off the UI because it is too stimulating.
The product team shrugs and says, "We'll fix it later."
The HR manager responds, "But we hired them." "Isn't that inclusion?"
Not quite.
Why Accessibility Is the Real Backbone of Inclusion
Let us break it down:
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Accessibility is tangible. It is not a policy, but rather a practice.
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It is proactive. Designing access up front beats scrambling for fixes later.
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It is inherently inclusive. When you design for the margins, you ultimately benefit everyone.
Sonica Aron, founder of Marching Sheep, explains that "inclusion without accessibility is like inviting someone to a conversation but refusing to hand them a microphone."
Quick Reality Check: Where We Stand
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Over 1 billion people worldwide have disabilities.
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Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and similar laws around the world, much technology and workplace infrastructure remains inaccessible.
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Most accessibility efforts are still viewed as "phase two" projects—or, worse, ignored unless someone complains.
We have installed ramps, but many still lead to doors that do not open automatically.
5 Times Companies Got Accessibility Right
These global giants didn't wait for a lawsuit or a social media scandal. They led from the front:
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Infosys – Accessibility Evangelism was launched across India, training teams to build inclusive technology from the ground up.
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SAP – Its Autism at Work Program revolutionized hiring by acknowledging neurodiversity as a competitive advantage.
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P&G – Created an Accessibility Champions Network within teams to instill empathy in everyday decisions.
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LinkedIn – We launched smart alt-text tools and real-time AI captioning.
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Accenture – Established a full-fledged Accessibility Center of Excellence to guide strategy at scale.
These are not simply CSR highlights; they are competitive advantages.
The Misfit Advantage: Why Design for Disability Helps Everyone
Have you noticed how curb cuts designed for wheelchairs also benefit parents with strollers, delivery workers, and travelers with luggage?
That’s called the Curb Cut Effect.
Designing for disability promotes innovation.
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Captions benefit not only the deaf, but also those watching videos in noisy cafes or pretending to be in Zoom meetings.
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Previously, voice assistants served as accessibility tools. They've gotten into your kitchen, car, and phone.
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Neurodivergent users benefit from a cleaner UI and less cognitive load, as does everyone else trying to get through Mondays.
Bottom Line: Don’t Bolt It On. Build It In.
Inclusion is not a checkbox. Accessibility is not a luxury. Accommodations should not feel like handouts.
Accessibility should be:
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Built into policies.
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Embedded in design thinking.
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Expected from the beginning.
Until then, we are not being inclusive. We're simply being polite.
FAQs: Quick Answers to the Real Questions
What is GAAD 2025 about?
Global Accessibility Awareness Day emphasizes digital and physical access, particularly in the workplace.
How is accessibility different from inclusion?
Inclusion is achieved through accessibility. Without it, inclusion would be incomplete.
Are accessibility features only for people with disabilities?
No. Everyone benefits—think captions, voice search, and cleaner interfaces.
Why don’t companies prioritize accessibility?
It is frequently viewed as costly or secondary—until someone speaks up or a crisis occurs.
What’s the first step companies can take?
Begin by asking users what their needs are. Then design alongside them, not for them.
Pro Tip to Leaders & Teams
If your DEI strategy excludes accessibility, it is simply D&E. And without the I, there is no WE.
Key Takeaways
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Accessibility isn't an add-on. It's the infrastructure for inclusion.
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Real inclusion necessitates real design thinking—from the start.
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Companies that prioritize accessibility don't just comply; they outperform.
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Listening is the most powerful accessibility tool you currently have.
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GAAD 2025 serves as a wake-up call: inclusion without accessibility is a broken promise.
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