The Crucial Role of Accessibility in Product Design

During TechCrunch Sessions: Justice, we explored the significance of designing for accessibility from the outset of product development. Integrating the knowledge of disabled technologists and advocates into a company’s core principles is not merely beneficial for creating superior products, but also essential for fostering a more just and equitable society.

The panel discussion featured Cynthia Bennett from Carnegie Mellon University’s Human-Computer Interaction Institute; Srin Madipalli, the founder of Accomable, an accessible travel marketplace acquired by Airbnb; and Mara Mills, an associate professor at New York University and co-director of the NYU Center for Disability Studies.

Defining Accessibility

A thorough discussion regarding designing for inclusivity necessitates a clear definition of accessibility itself. How should product teams and founders conceptualize accessibility when shaping their internal design strategies?

It was highlighted that, fundamentally, accessibility means creating products usable by everyone. However, from a business perspective, considering accessibility within internal tools and workflows is equally vital. Simply offering accessible products to users isn’t sufficient; if internal systems exclude individuals with disabilities, designing truly accessible products becomes significantly more challenging, hindering the potential of disabled employees.

A further point was made: disability encompasses a wide spectrum, and solutions effective for one group may not be suitable for another. Consequently, a singular technological solution is often inadequate, and a holistic approach is required.

Understanding the Medical and Social Models of Disability

Entrepreneurs are naturally inclined to solve problems, but identifying the core issue is paramount. Examining different models of disability – the medical versus the social – proves valuable in this context.

The social model, widely embraced by disabled individuals, posits that disability arises not solely from medical impairments, but from societal structures, design choices, and prevailing attitudes that create barriers to inclusion.

This perspective frames disability as a collective responsibility, shifting the focus from “fixing” individuals to reforming society.

When Should Accessibility Be Considered?

For founders and product teams launching new offerings, the optimal time to prioritize accessibility is now. Resistance within an organization indicates a missed opportunity to develop a leading product and maintain competitiveness, similar to neglecting mobile optimization, security, or privacy. Furthermore, it represents a potential loss of revenue.

The Principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us”

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of involving disabled people in the design process, both as employees and through external consultation. The disability rights movement’s slogan, “Nothing about us without us,” serves as a potent reminder of the value of co-design. While the goal of accessibility is straightforward, its implementation is often complex and imperfect. Fortunately, the panelists offered practical advice, such as employing inclusive language and specifically seeking participants with disabilities for user testing.

Ensuring Genuine Commitment to Accessibility

Avoiding superficial engagement with accessibility requires a straightforward approach: making it a non-negotiable priority from leadership down. This includes allocating sufficient resources and integrating accessibility into performance evaluations. By establishing this foundation early on, companies can cultivate an inclusive design culture that is scalable and sustainable.

The complete session transcript is available for review here.