Mindset Matters: How The Tribe Of Accessibility Is Fundamental To Scaling The Disability Economy

One of the mandates of the Mindset Matters column has always been to push the boundaries of convention and make readers think in new ways. This is certainly one of those times. The role of technology has been a critical piece both in the evolution of our culture and our way of life. It is redefining how we engage with the world around us, from how we work and consume our entertainment, to basic activities of daily living from shopping to exercise and so much more. Yet, in this new age of technological change, there is a need for parity and true inclusion. This is where accessibility professionals stake their claim in the digital world. While accessibility was once relegated to the sidelines of the technological conversation, there is a massive sea change happening and accessibility is becoming a centerpiece of a larger discussion where its impact is having a ripple effect not just on the disability community, but for all of humanity.

Accessibility is being embraced across the business landscape from corporate stalwarts such as Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and Meta to a host of new players in the space recognizing not only a greater need for an accessible world but acknowledging the significance of its growing economic value. While there is progress, there is an element here that needs greater amplification, the role of the accessibility professional. It is these professionals that are at the nexus in not only defining this technological revolution but becoming a real driver for transformation. The Accessibility professional is not just a change agent but in fact, part of a larger tribe that sees the world through a lens of inclusivity and espouses a new cultural norm that is essential in defining the mindset of the digital economy of the here-and-now and the future of the industry.

The Tribe of Accessibility is a bridge between technical know-how, commerce, and a desire to imagine new possibilities where there is a bridge between design and technologies that allows for all users to be engaged in the digital ecosystem that is so vital to the way we live today. It is the Accessibility professional who understands that they have a responsibility not only to drive change but to be a conduit for the Disability Economy. This responsibility is certainly not taken lightly. The Tribe of Accessibility not only understands its place in the digital world, but as a community they recognize the importance of advocacy as a critical tool for culture change, and organizational growth. It is at this juncture that the tribe has begun to understand its values and now must link them to their daily business practice.

The Tribe of Accessibility envisions the potential of what can be, seeing that the road toward access has a level of complexity that relies not only on technology and design but rather on the power of connection. It is through this power that the tribe will derive its strength within the business ecosystem and highlight the need to be a key stakeholder in this digital revolution. As the Accessibility professional becomes more empowered, they will have a new clarity where tribalism will solidify a greater level of kinship and offer a set of common principles. It is these principles that will characterize the future of the tribe and define a central pillar of the Disability Economy.

As the Tribe of Accessibility continues to open new doors of innovation, these modern ways of thinking must be pivotal to their underlying values. In defining this new ethos, let us explore further some key tenants:

· Accessibility is not just based on technology or design, it inhabits a space of inclusion

· Accessibility is a doorway to greater economic growth, not just opening to the growing disability community, but illustrating an organization's recognition of equity.

· Accessibility is a doorway into defining a new language of the culture of possibility. It is this opportunity that allows us to imagine our greatest human potential.

The status of the Tribe of Accessibility has only begun to carve out its place in the business environment. The tribe is being heard, the increase in the number of accessibility jobs has risen 78% over the past year only highlighting the need for this type of expertise. As the Disability Economy continues to materialize it will be defined by the strength and cultural fortitude of the Tribe of Accessibility.