--- title: "Accessibility Is Personal: Why This Work Matters" description: UsableNet celebrates 25 years of digital inclusion, sharing personal stories from their team on why accessibility matters and how it impacts real lives. image: https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%2025th%20Anniversary/25th%20Anniversary%20Blog%20Cover.png --- - [skip to menu](https://blog.usablenet.com/accessibility-is-personal#nav) - [skip to content](https://blog.usablenet.com/accessibility-is-personal#main-content) - [skip to footer](https://blog.usablenet.com/accessibility-is-personal#footer) Test the accessibility of your website for free! Try UsableNet AQA. [Test now!](https://usablenet.com/automated-accessibility-testing-tool) Close [![UsableNet home](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/logo.png?width=429&height=62&name=logo.png)](https://usablenet.com/) - [Solutions](https://usablenet.com) ## Solutions [UsableNet Assistive](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) A managed service combining experts, technology and legal support to make your website accessible [UsableNet AQA](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) Accessibility management and testing software for designers, developers, and testers [Accessibility Audits & Support Services](https://usablenet.com/services) Expert guidance and training to empower your team to create accessible digital experiences Explore which of our digital accessibility solutions is right for you [Watch a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/choose-a-demo?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1737658630173.1737669055746.199&__hssc=181257784.7.1737669055746&__hsfp=3011104808) - [Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Resources - [E-books & Guides](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=E-books%20and%20Guides) - [Case Studies](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Case%20Studies) - [Reports](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Reports) - [Webinars](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Webinars) - [Tools](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Tools) - [All Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Essential Resources ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/resources-1.png?width=100&height=100&name=resources-1.png) [ADA accessibility lawsuit tracker](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/resources-2.png?width=100&height=100&name=resources-2.png) [Checklist: how to achieve and maintain digital accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/digital-website-accessibility-checklist) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/resources-3.png?width=100&height=100&name=resources-3.png) [Which remediation approach is right for me?](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ADA%20Primer.png?width=100&height=100&name=ADA%20Primer.png) [A Primer on ADA and Digital Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/a-primer-on-ada-and-digital-accessibility) The EAA is in Effect — Is Your Website Compliant? [Get Help with EN 301 549 Compliance](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance) - [Who We Serve](https://usablenet.com/strategic-relationships) ## Industry [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/e-commerce-accessibility-solutions) [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) ## Compliance [Canadian Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-canada) [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance) [Other International Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-international) [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) 2026 Midyear report on digital accessibility lawsuits in the US [Download Now](https://info.usablenet.com/2026-midyear-report) - [Pricing](https://usablenet.com/pricing) - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) [Get a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/contact) Close Open Menu - Solutions ## Solutions [UsableNet Assistive](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) A managed service combining experts, technology and legal support to make your website accessible [UsableNet AQA](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) Accessibility management and testing software for designers, developers, and testers [Accessibility Audits & Support Services](https://usablenet.com/services) Expert guidance and training to empower your team to create accessible digital experiences Which accessibility remediation approach is right for me? [Take our Quiz](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz) - Resources ## Resources [E-books & Guides](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=E-books%20and%20Guides) [Case Studies](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Case%20Studies) [Reports](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Reports) [Webinars](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Webinars) [Tools](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Tools) [All Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Essential Resources [ADA accessibility lawsuit tracker](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [Checklist: how to achieve and maintain digital accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/digital-website-accessibility-checklist?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [Which remediation approach is right for me?](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [A Primer on ADA and Digital Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/a-primer-on-ada-and-digital-accessibility?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) The EAA is in Effect — Is Your Website Compliant? [Get Help with EN 301 549 Compliance](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) - Who We Serve ## Industry [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-e-commerce-consumer-goods) [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) ## Compliance [Canadian Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-canada) [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-europe) [Other International Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-international) [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) 2026 Midyear report on digital accessibility lawsuits in the US [Download Now](https://info.usablenet.com/2026-midyear-report) - [Pricing](https://usablenet.com/pricing) - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) [Get a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/contact) # Accessibility Is Personal: Why This Work Matters **By** [UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1) on May 15, 2025 **Topics:** [Web Accessibility](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility), [GAAD](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/gaad), [25th Anniversary](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/25th-anniversary) 0 Comments - - - ![Illustration of people with disabilities interacting with digital devices, celebrating UsableNet’s 25th anniversary.](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%2025th%20Anniversary/25th%20Anniversary%20Blog%20Cover.png) ## *Celebrating 25 Years of UsableNet on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)*  This year marks **UsableNet's 25th anniversary**—and we're kicking off the celebration on **Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)** by highlighting the people who make digital inclusion possible.  For many on our team, accessibility isn't just work. It's something they believe in—something they live. In the videos below, our colleagues share what accessibility means to them and the moments that have shaped their perspective.  These reflections show that while accessibility often starts with compliance, its true purpose is connection, usability, and equity.  [E*xplore more at our 25th Anniversary Page.* ](https://info.usablenet.com/25-years-of-solving-digital-accessibility) ## **"The work that I do has an impact on not just me, but people like myself. That's powerful."**  [![Joe DiNero - 25th Anniversary](https://play.vidyard.com/KwoenuyACverf674jJbB8P.jpg?small=1&play_button=1&)](https://share.vidyard.com/watch/KwoenuyACverf674jJbB8P) Video description: Joe DiNero is seated in a softly lit room, wearing a dark maroon shirt. He faces the camera directly and speaks with clarity and calm authority. His tone is thoughtful and steady as he reflects on digital inclusion and his work as a blind accessibility tester. Joseph DiNero, Head of our Digital Accessibility Testing Team at UsableNet and Assistant Program Director of Assistive Technology Services and Business Outreach at Helen Keller Services for the Blind, explains what improving websites he once couldn't use himself is like.  ## **"It reminded me that the work we do isn't just about audits or legal risk. It's about people."**  [![Danielle Kaur - 25th Anniversary](https://play.vidyard.com/ZoynLyGuZHbWNrU1pp5Fmy.jpg?small=1&play_button=1&)](https://share.vidyard.com/watch/ZoynLyGuZHbWNrU1pp5Fmy) **Video Description:** Danielle Kaur is seated in a bright, modern office space, wearing a black top. She looks directly into the camera with a warm, engaged expression. Her tone is clear and sincere as she reflects on her experience and the impact of accessibility in her work.   Danielle Kaur, Senior Business Development Representative, shares how Joe's live screen reader demo helped her connect accessibility theory with real-world usability challenges.  ## **"Seeing the connection between our work and how it applies to real users was special."**  [![Darcy - 25th Anniversary](https://play.vidyard.com/Az7B884Xr2WpTbNno3d2JY.jpg?small=1&play_button=1&)](https://share.vidyard.com/watch/Az7B884Xr2WpTbNno3d2JY) **Video Description:** Darcy Cottrell is seated indoors in front of a bookshelf, wearing a light blue button-down shirt and glasses. He looks directly into the camera with a calm and confident expression. His tone is reflective and steady.   Darcy Cottrell, Vice President of Account Management, recalls a meaningful on-site training that shifted how a client approached accessibility.  ## **"These tools weren't nice to haves—they were lifelines."**  [![Jennifer Guajardo - 25th Anniversary](https://play.vidyard.com/K2CLVFUSyAeJpdPo8Vn6Mn.jpg?small=1&play_button=1&)](https://share.vidyard.com/watch/K2CLVFUSyAeJpdPo8Vn6Mn) Video Description: Jennifer Guajardo is seated outdoors in soft natural light, with greenery gently blurred in the background. She wears a black top and a gold necklace. Looking directly at the camera, she speaks with a thoughtful expression and a steady pace, though slightly fast at times. Her tone is engaged and sincere.   Jennifer Guajardo, Account Executive, reflects on how observing assistive technology in action changed how she advocates for digital inclusion with clients.  ## **"The world is going to work better for all of us when everyone's included."**  [![CJ - 25th Anniversary](https://play.vidyard.com/wv2AVkntKFwYxoKQj4Dzif.jpg?small=1&play_button=1&)](https://share.vidyard.com/watch/wv2AVkntKFwYxoKQj4Dzif) Video Description: CJ Harris is seated in a bright room with soft lighting and a blurred background, wearing a dark blue shirt. His tone is calm and thoughtful, and he occasionally smiles as he reflects on his experience. The camera remains steady in a medium shot throughout.   CJ Harris, UsableNet's Director of Engineering, shares how the digital landscape has evolved in the 12 years he's been with the company, and why inclusive design still requires intentional work.  ## “It’s really comforting to be part of a team that’s solving real issues.” [![Lillian Chukwueze](https://play.vidyard.com/qQtcx3xLDAMxSKJFiExKjA.jpg?small=1&play_button=1&)](https://share.vidyard.com/watch/qQtcx3xLDAMxSKJFiExKjA) **Video Description:** Lillian Chukwueze is seated indoors in a softly lit room, wearing a dark top. She looks directly into the camera with an open and enthusiastic expression. Her tone is warm and sincere as she shares what drew her to UsableNet and why supporting the disability community through accessibility work is meaningful to her.   Lillian Chukwueze, Sales Development Representative, shares why joining a mission-driven company was meaningful—and how digital accessibility connects to something bigger: compassion, understanding, and inclusion. ## **The Work Is Personal—And It's Just Getting Started**  Every voice here reflects a different journey, but all point to the same truth: digital inclusion is a shared responsibility. It requires empathy, collaboration, and a commitment to creating experiences for everyone.  ### Join us in celebrating 25 years of expertise- supporting your accessibility journey.  Want more perspectives? Read our [second blog in the series](https://info.usablenet.com/25-years-of-solving-digital-accessibility), where team members reflect on how accessibility has evolved—and what it takes to move forward. [![UsableNet's celebrating 25 years of expertise! Learn more about our history and what's to come.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3280432/interactive-190144428316.png)](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLQRtC3GEG7cif8bmz2S1BKmBN8ijgPvXioT3ZgPwMIhAnRVwlQQUo6%2FsagMlFYwSX%2Bu8uiCsBVC5H3IfkyNxLKAwtyRPnhhU8v5zcAVZFZsLK2eIDbngC%2FjoMtQgMWlbQkfIcaA0vNDkUx9ED4JIYpJwlvpekIUjSx5fvgLd64XwF%2FrhfaJ7WTBizC8IHYNiSto2fuZUppdRxltCfuWwUMdsd%2FOesN&webInteractiveContentId=190144428316&portalId=3280432) ![UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20Logo%20150%20x%20150.png) ### [UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1) Founded in 2000, UsableNet created some of the first tools and platforms to make websites accessible and usable for all people. Starting out, we worked with government agencies as well as universities and corporations. Today, accessibility has become important to almost all companies. We provide accessibility solutions to Fortune 1000 companies, small and medium enterprises, government, and education organizations across industries including retail, travel, hospitality, food services, automotive, financial services, and healthcare. - - - - ### Related posts ![Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-check-in-and-in-stay-barriers-for-blind-guests) Jul 15, 2026 ![Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-browsing-room-options) Jul 14, 2026 ![Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Registration%20-%20Midyear%20Report.png) [Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/inside-the-2026-midyear-numbers-where-digital-accessibility-litigation-is-going) Jul 8, 2026 ![The Low-Cost Moves That Strengthen an ADA Website Defense](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/The%20Low-Cost%20Moves%20That%20Strengthen%20an%20ADA%20Website%20Defense.png) [The Low-Cost Moves That Strengthen an ADA Website Defense](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-low-cost-moves-that-strengthen-an-ada-website-defense) Jun 16, 2026 ### Sign Up for the UsableNet Blog ### Recent Posts ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-check-in-and-in-stay-barriers-for-blind-guests) Jul 15, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-browsing-room-options) Jul 14, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Registration%20-%20Midyear%20Report.png) [Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/inside-the-2026-midyear-numbers-where-digital-accessibility-litigation-is-going) Jul 8, 2026 ### Posts by Topic - [Web Accessibility (311)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility) - [User Experience (113)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/user-experience) - [ADA Lawsuits (45)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ada-lawsuits) - [ADA Website Compliance (38)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ada-website-compliance) - [European Accessibility Act (34)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/european-accessibility-act) - [Mobile Web (30)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/mobile-web) - [Mobile Apps (27)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/mobile-apps) - [Retail (27)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/retail) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Consultation%20Icon.svg) Need to improve digital usability, accessibility or performance? We can help. [Partner with us. Get in touch..](https://usablenet.com/getintouch?hsCtaTracking=34f54ed4-8696-43c9-b740-a3982b4b5d91%7Cf4246c48-bf25-487f-9058-34abb838058e) ## Page Footer ### Have a question? **Contact Us** [Book a Consultation](https://calendly.com/usablenet-accessibility/introduction?month=2025-02) [Watch a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/choose-a-demo) ### Solutions - [UsableNet Assistive](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) - [UsableNet AQA](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) - [Accessibility Audit & Support Services](https://usablenet.com/services) - [Pricing and Plans](https://usablenet.com/pricing) ### Resource Library - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [E-Books](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=E-books%20and%20Guides) - [Case Studies](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Case%20Studies) - [Reports](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Reports) - [Test your website for accessibility](https://usablenet.com/automated-accessibility-testing-tool) - [ADA Monthly Lawsuit Tracker](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker) - [Webinars](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Webinars) - [All Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources?all=true) ### Who We Serve - [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) - [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) - [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-e-commerce-consumer-goods) - [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) - [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) - [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) ### Compliance - [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-europe) - [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) ### Company - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) - [LLM Resources](https://usablenet.com/for-ai-assistants) [Accessibility Support](https://blog.usablenet.com/support)| [Privacy Policy](https://blog.usablenet.com/privacy)| [Accessibility Statement](https://blog.usablenet.com/accessibility-statement)| [Diversity and Inclusion Statement](https://blog.usablenet.com/diversity-and-inclusion)| Accessibility Status | [Technology Patents](https://blog.usablenet.com/technology/patent) ## **Sign Up** for the **UsableNet Blog** Join our mailing list to receive email notifications when we publish a new blog, infographic, whitepaper or newsletter. Stay up-to-date on our insights, the latest tech news and digital trends. ![International Association of Accessibility Professionals logo](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/IAAP-logo.png?width=150&height=81&name=IAAP-logo.png) © 2026 UsableNet Inc. ![International Association of Accessibility Professionals logo](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/IAAP-logo.png?width=150&height=81&name=IAAP-logo.png) © 2026 UsableNet Inc. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "UsableNet", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1" }, "dateModified" : "2025-05-15T14:14:14.282Z", "datePublished" : "2025-05-15T12:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "Accessibility Is Personal: Why This Work Matters", "image" : [ "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%2025th%20Anniversary/25th%20Anniversary%20Blog%20Cover.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/accessibility-is-personal", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20Logo_Black.png" }, "name" : "UsableNet Inc." } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz (BGG or Disability Equality Act) is a German law enacted in 2002 to eliminate barriers for individuals with disabilities, including in digital services. It primarily applies to federal public bodies and institutions funded by the German federal government. While private companies aren't directly required to comply, those working with government agencies must ensure their digital services are accessible." }, "name" : "What is the BGG (Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz) and who does it apply to?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "BITV 2.0 (Barrierefreie-Informationstechnik-Verordnung) provides the technical standards needed to implement the BGG’s requirements. It adopts WCAG 2.0 guidelines and mandates that public sector websites, mobile apps, and intranets be accessible. It also requires websites to include accessibility statements. Though not mandatory for private companies, adopting BITV 2.0 standards is recommended to broaden digital reach and reduce reputational risks." }, "name" : "What is BITV 2.0 and how does it support the BGG?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Non-compliance with the BGG, BITV 2.0, or EAA can lead to legal disputes, financial penalties, and loss of business opportunities, especially in public procurement. Germany has established an arbitration service under the BGG to resolve disputes, and enforcement of the EAA will increase after its 2025 implementation." }, "name" : "What are the risks of not complying with digital accessibility laws in Germany?" } ] } ```