Accessibility isn’t just the responsibility of one department or a single “point person.”
If we want inclusion to stick, it has to live in the culture, and that means empowering everyone on your team to see accessibility as part of their role.
When staff at all levels understand their role in creating inclusive spaces, accessibility shifts from being a compliance checkbox to becoming part of the organization’s DNA. That’s where accessibility champions come in.
What Is an Accessibility Champion?
An accessibility champion is someone who actively looks for ways to remove barriers and create equitable experiences. They might not have “accessibility” in their job title, but they carry it in their mindset.
They’re the ones who:
- Ask, “Will everyone be able to participate in this meeting?”
- Notice if a document isn’t screen reader–friendly.
- Speak up when they see a physical or digital barrier.
Champions can exist in any role, from senior leadership to front-line service staff.
Why Empowering Champions Matters
When accessibility rests on one person or department, progress slows, and the risk of burnout rises. But when the responsibility is shared, accessibility becomes more sustainable.
Empowered champions:
- Spot and address issues earlier.
- Create a ripple effect of inclusion across teams.
- Encourage innovation by considering diverse perspectives.
How to Build Accessibility Champions
1. Start with education. Offer practical, role-specific training so staff understand what accessibility looks like in their daily work. A marketing team might learn about alt text and colour contrast, while facilities staff focus on wayfinding and physical access.
2. Lead by example. When leaders model inclusive practices, from accessible event planning to barrier-free communication, it sends a clear message that accessibility matters.
3. Encourage action. Give staff permission to speak up when they notice barriers and the tools to fix them. Recognize and celebrate these moments to reinforce the behaviour.
4. Keep it ongoing. Accessibility isn’t a one-time workshop. Build it into onboarding, performance reviews, and team check-ins so it becomes second nature.
The Payoff
When accessibility becomes everyone’s responsibility, your organization benefits in every area: employee engagement, customer satisfaction, brand reputation, and innovation. But more importantly, you’re creating an environment where everyone can participate fully.
At A Life Worth Living, we help organizations train and inspire accessibility champions across all levels. Because when your team takes ownership of accessibility, you don’t just meet standards; you raise them.
If you’re ready to empower your team, let’s talk.