--- title: Why We Need Meaningful Conversations to Create Web Accessibility Experts & Empower Advocates description: The potential to be an accessibility expert and advocate exists in everyone. Start this crucial conversation in your organization today. image: https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/%5BSBM%5D%20Blog%20Images%202023/team%20of%20web%20accessibility%20experts%20testing%20for%20usability%20discussing%20user%20experiences%20and%20optimizing%20for%20inclusion-min.jpeg --- - [skip to menu](https://blog.usablenet.com/meaningful-conversations-to-create-web-accessibility-experts-empower-advocates#nav) - [skip to content](https://blog.usablenet.com/meaningful-conversations-to-create-web-accessibility-experts-empower-advocates#main-content) - [skip to footer](https://blog.usablenet.com/meaningful-conversations-to-create-web-accessibility-experts-empower-advocates#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) # Why We Need Meaningful Conversations to Create Web Accessibility Experts & Empower Advocates **By** [Jeff Adams, Vice President - Accessibility Operations at UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/jeff-adams) on Jun 7, 2023 **Topics:** [Web Accessibility](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility), [Accessibility-First Culture](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/accessibility-first-culture) 0 Comments - - - ![team of web accessibility experts testing for usability discussing user experiences and optimizing for inclusion](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/%5BSBM%5D%20Blog%20Images%202023/team%20of%20web%20accessibility%20experts%20testing%20for%20usability%20discussing%20user%20experiences%20and%20optimizing%20for%20inclusion-min.jpeg) In last month's post, I offered you some suggestions for starting a conversation that helps establish an accessibility-first mindset in the organization where you work. With this knowledge, even those that aren’t web accessibility experts can initiate this crucial component of company culture. I believe that to be true. But I received a comment via LinkedIn where someone inquired about how they could become that person. What motivated them to speak up in that way?  My best answer to that comes from a book I recently read called Good Talk: How to Design Conversations that Matter by Daniel Stillman. Daniel writes early in the book: "Waiting for someone else to act won't do. If we see the problem, we have to do something about it. If we want others to open up to new possibilities, we might try to open them as well. It's our responsibility to frame the challenge so that others can be open to exploring the issue."   ### A Catalog of Information for Your Digital Accessibility Initiative The more knowledge you have, the more likely you will have the right information at the right time to trigger that “aha” moment for someone else. The story that turns a person into an advocate and encourages them to join you in spreading the message of accessibility in your company may not work for everyone. For this reason, you need to have an array of stories, experiences, and data at hand. (An important side note is ensuring you have accurate information. Many misconceptions exist regarding digital accessibility, and that can cause unrealistic expectations. I'll talk more about this problem in a future post.)  The tipping point that turned web accessibility from just a job to a mission to become a champion and advocate was the first time I witnessed a blind person using a screen reader. They struggled with keyboard traps, poorly labeled interactive elements, and an ineffective heading structure. Leveraging real "stories” often provides better training moments than statistics, guidelines, or regulations. This degree of storytelling creates empathy and a genuinely human connection to digital accessibility issues.  [Watch Now >> Web Accessibility for eCommerce: A Blind Customer's Perspective—a free, on-demand webinar that features a demonstration of a blind screen reader user on two websites >>](https://info.usablenet.com/on-demand-webinar-web-accessibility-for-ecommerce-a-blind-customers-perspective?_gl=1*sz4sh2*_ga*MTk0NDYwMjUxMi4xNjU4NzgyMzI0*_ga_3GH0FY5X8W*MTY5NzgwODUzNi40MTQuMC4xNjk3ODA4NTM2LjYwLjAuMA..) Even though I've been focused on digital accessibility for years now, and have been a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies for nearly three, my education never stops. It doesn't matter how much I think I know about a digital accessibility topic; I always want to hear about another unique story from someone else. They likely have a [lived experience](https://blog.usablenet.com/advocating-for-digital-accessibility-using-examples-to-drive-change) different from mine. Further, how they approach the subject and discussion may unlock new, different, or even better insights for me. When we openly share our own perspectives and the challenges we face in today’s digital world, we can [set the stage for empowerment](https://www.section508.gov/blog/supporting-empowerment-through-accessibility/) and pave a path for inclusion.   ### How to Connect with Web Accessibility Experts & Advocates It's easy to add learning from others to your toolkit, and there's plenty of free information out there. The UsableNet blog is a great ungated resource, for example. In particular, I recommend the posts by Michael Taylor. He writes about his various experiences on the web as a blind person who relies on a screen reader. With this point of view, you can see how your organization's digital properties compare to other sites Michael visits using his stories as a guide.  Of course, if you're already a client of UsableNet, you've got premium access to our team of digital accessibility experts to help guide you. Among my favorite conversations is ones with those who want tips on discussing web accessibility with others and how to be an advocate in their organization. LinkedIn also features a tremendous resource with its newsletter, ["Top Voices in Disability Advocacy."](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-top-voices-disability-advocacy-12-creators-follow-/) You can also check the list of people I and other UsableNetters follow to grow your network of experts and advocates.    ### Practicing Continued Advocacy Find the voices and identify the resources that resonate with you, then spend a few minutes with them each week to enhance your awareness and knowledge. Afterward, you'll be even more ready to go forth in your organization and work to transform it with an [accessibility-first mindset.  ](https://blog.usablenet.com/how-to-build-an-accessibility-first-company-culture) For additional insights, check out the free on-demand webinar featuring the author, Jeff Adams, [How to Create a Culture of Digital Accessibility. Watch now.](https://info.usablenet.com/how-to-create-a-culture-of-digital-accessibility) [![On Demand Webinar - How to Create a Culture of Digital Accessibility - featuring a headshot of Jeff Adams, Director of Accessibility Operations against a video player with a orange watch now button on a blue gradient background. ](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blue%20and%20White%20Gradient%20Modern%20Webinar%20Facebook%20Post%20(1)-1.png?width=1200&height=630&name=Blue%20and%20White%20Gradient%20Modern%20Webinar%20Facebook%20Post%20(1)-1.png)](https://info.usablenet.com/how-to-create-a-culture-of-digital-accessibility)   ![Jeff Adams, Vice President - Accessibility Operations at UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Jeff%20Adams%201%20(1).png) ### [Jeff Adams, Vice President - Accessibility Operations at UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/jeff-adams) Jeff advises companies worldwide on best practices in website accessibility and integrating accessibility into their processes. He’s been with UsableNet for over a decade and not only consults with UsableNet clients but also leads the development of the company’s educational programs. In addition, Jeff’s a creative entrepreneur and co-wrote the book, Content for Everyone: A Practical Guide for Creative Entrepreneurs to Produce Accessible and Usable Web Content. - - - - ### 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. 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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" : "Jeff Adams, Vice President - Accessibility Operations at UsableNet", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/author/jeff-adams" }, "dateModified" : "2023-11-17T21:54:32.968Z", "datePublished" : "2023-06-07T14:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "Why We Need Meaningful Conversations to Create Web Accessibility Experts & Empower Advocates", "image" : [ "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/%5BSBM%5D%20Blog%20Images%202023/team%20of%20web%20accessibility%20experts%20testing%20for%20usability%20discussing%20user%20experiences%20and%20optimizing%20for%20inclusion-min.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/meaningful-conversations-to-create-web-accessibility-experts-empower-advocates", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20Logo_Black.png" }, "name" : "UsableNet Inc." } } ```