It Doesn’t Just Happen: Accountability in Organization-wide Accessibility and Disability Equity Initiatives

In one of her blog posts, Dianndra Roberts wrote, "Accountability is at the center of 'doing the work', we need it for ourselves and for each other if we are working to dismantle colonial structures, change systemic policies and systems." Like any equity initiatives, disability equity and accessibility advancement doesn’t just happen. To reach that inflection point that results in a significant change our organizations must not only commit to the process, but those involved must have the tools, environment, and support in place. Along with assigning responsibility and proactive work, building accountability systems reduces the risk of failure. Sponsored by the DEIA Accessibility subcommittee, this session presents examples of organization-wide, replicable initiatives that enhance accessibility and disability equity. It is focused not only on explaining the undertaken projects but also on the type of organizational changes that were applied and support those initiatives received to be successful and sustainable.