Access for All: Opening Doors Together
In today’s digital world, making content accessible isn’t something that’s nice to do—it’s something that we, as marketers, have to do. Moreover, it’s something we should want to do. When we design with accessibility in mind, we create solutions that allow everyone to fully participate, connect, and be included.
LMD’s Corporate Social Responsibility 2025 theme of “Accessibility Opportunities” has encouraged us to take a hands-on, thought-provoking approach to learning and advocacy. As part of this effort, my colleague Chanda Vuong and I were asked to give a peer training on accessibility to all LMD staff. Rather than delivering just another presentation, we created an experience designed to educate and challenge how we think about accessibility in our day-to-day work.
We began with a foundational presentation that covered the essentials of accessibility, including Section 508, which requires federal agencies to make their digital content accessible to people with disabilities. But we didn’t stop at compliance. We explored the deeper “why” behind accessibility: the idea that creating inclusive content isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a social responsibility. Everyone deserves to access and understand the digital experiences we build.
We also highlighted the real-world consequences of failing to meet these standards. In 2023 alone, more than 4,000 ADA lawsuits were filed, many stemming from inaccessible websites, videos, and documents. These lawsuits are not just legal battles; they are reminders of the barriers that still exist for millions of people.
But here’s where the learning experience took a creative turn.
We challenged our team cognitively through a live, step-by-step activity: making an origami cup. Participants were asked in advance to have a square piece of paper on hand. They received spoken instructions along with a written list displayed on-screen, but with one important twist: they weren’t allowed to ask any clarifying questions.
By step three or four of the cup-making challenge, the struggle became clear. Frustration set in. Most participants couldn't follow the directions accurately. Out of the group, only a handful ended up with anything resembling a cup. Why? Because instructions without visuals or clarification left many people confused.
This activity powerfully reinforced the point that accessibility is more than just a checkbox. It’s about designing with empathy and recognizing that people absorb and process information differently. Visuals, alternate formats, clear structure—these aren’t optional extras; they’re essential tools to ensure no one is left behind.
This activity also reminded our team that creating accessible content is a responsibility we all share. Whether through web design, social media, presentations, or day-to-day communication, we must all commit to making our content clear, inclusive, and usable by everyone, every step of the way.
