A good fit for accessibility (part 4)

With the introduction of the different types of accessibility experts, the introduction into the (widely known) digital accessibility expert and general accessibility expert roles, insight into to the compound of a CoE Accessibility. It is time for 2 of the (newer) accessibility expert roles fitting such CoE Accessibility: The Accessible Communication Expert and Inclusive/Accessible Design experts. What to expect from these roles and how to assure best positioning within your organization.

Accessible Communication Expert

The Accessible Communication expert is of huge importance, with a huge responsibility for both disability inclusive language, accessibility of communication and brand related content, for both internal as external communications. These experts can advise on topics like:

·       How to address the disability community?

·       What is disability inclusive language?

·       What is ableism?

·       How can we secure the best representation of people with disabilities

·       Set and guard disability inclusive communication guidelines

These things might sound easy, or for some ‘just another D&I topic’ it surely is not. Even in my personal experience I met inclusive language experts/trainers in the D&I space using ableist language. Too often completely not aware of the thin line between offensives experienced by participants because they were using Identity First Language (IFL) instead of People First Language (PFL), missing out on the cultural backgrounds of the participants or the markets a business operates.

Example: UK businesses and government use IFL in communications, and this is part of the UK culture and (assumed to be) accepted by most of the UK community of people with disabilities. This leads to the use of IFL in all UK based communications and trainings. The (same) corporates mostly use PFL in corporate global communications as PFL is widely used in Europe, the US and advocated by the UN Disability Inclusive Language Guidelines. When UK based trainers provide inclusive language training outside the UK, they must be aware that PFL is the best approach. As the use of IFL can be experienced quite offensive by people with disabilities beyond the UK.

This is just an example where the importance of accessible communication, beyond this you can think of branding topics like pictures and video’s, are these representative and made accessible (provided with audio description and or subtitles)

Inclusive/Accessible Design Experts

The role is much clearer for the inclusive design expert, at the same time does overlap with various accessibility expertise at the same time. The Inclusive Designer will work with the Digital Accessibility Experts and Accessible Communication Experts on for example brand related accessibility topics. Support the Accessible Communication Expert with the brand related design challenges in support of accessible communication.

Next to the digital challenges the inclusive design expert will be introduced with physical products too, as these need to made accessible for users with disabilities too. This can vary from a practical tool from a can-opener till the payment terminal at the counter of the local supermarket.

There are many challenges to make all digital and physical products/environments accessible and usable for people with disabilities. That is why I expect the roles of inclusive design experts will separate into separate digital and physical inclusive design expert role in the coming years.

Collaboration is key for success

All following these articles can find one commonality in the descriptions of the roles and tasks coming with these expert roles. It is impossible to work on your own expert island because you must collaborate with the various experts in other business roles than your own. That is why I introduced the CoE approach last edition. The CoE will be the place where all individual experts can collaborate and where general accessibility experts can help weighing approaches when business run into conflicts. 

Bianca Prins is Global Head of Accessibility at ING Bank, and trailblazer in the business disability community. A pioneer in the development of a global strategic Accessibility approach in the fast evolving business roles to include people with a disability in business. With LinkedIn #TheIncluencer articles Bianca is sharing insights on accessibility business opportunities, challenges and struggles towards a sustainable and disability inclusive world for all!

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