5 Simple Changes to Improve Accessibility

Introduction

Accessibility is not a bonus feature — it’s a baseline expectation. In a world that prides itself on innovation and progress, too many organizations still unintentionally exclude people from fully engaging with their services, programs, or spaces.

At Availing Echoism, we believe that accessibility is about dignity, opportunity, and belonging — and it’s something every nonprofit and business can start improving immediately.

You don’t need a six-figure budget or a major overhaul to make a difference. Here are five simple, high-impact changes you can make right now to create a more accessible and inclusive environment for everyone.

1. Make Your Digital Spaces Accessible

Today, your website is often your front door.If it’s not accessible, you’re shutting people out before they even get to your programs or services.

Key steps include:

• Adding alt text to all images so screen readers can describe them

• Ensuring proper color contrast for text readability

• Using clear, logical navigation and headings

• Providing transcripts or captions for videos

Action Step:Run a free accessibility audit on your website using tools like WAVE or Axe. Prioritize fixing the top 3-5 barriers you find. Small digital changes can open huge doors.

2. Train Your Team on Inclusive Practices

Accessibility is a shared responsibility — it’s not just an IT or facilities issue.Staff at every level should understand the basics of inclusive communication, service design, and respectful engagement with people of all abilities.

Key training areas:

• Using person-first and identity-affirming language

• Understanding basic accommodations (like ASL interpreters or large print materials)

• Knowing how to assist respectfully without making assumptions

Action Step:Host a simple accessibility and inclusion training during an upcoming staff meeting. Start with real-world scenarios to make it practical, not theoretical.

3. Create Accessible Events and Meetings

Every in-person or virtual event is a chance to include — or exclude.Accessible events ensure more people can participate fully and comfortably.

Best practices include:

• Offering live captions or interpreters for webinars

• Selecting wheelchair-accessible venues

• Providing sensory-friendly spaces at larger events

• Sharing agendas in advance in accessible formats

• 
  

Action Step:Start by adding an accessibility request question to all event registration forms. Let people tell you what they need — and be ready to respond flexibly.

4. Review Physical Spaces for Everyday Barriers

You don’t need a brand-new building to make meaningful physical accessibility improvements.Often, it’s small details that create or remove barriers.

Look at:

• Entrance pathways: Are doors easy to open? Are sidewalks clear?

• Bathrooms: Are there accessible stalls and clear signage?

• Meeting rooms: Are there flexible seating options?

• Service counters: Are they at wheelchair-accessible heights?

• 
  

Action Step:Do a "barrier walk" through your physical space with a focus on accessibility. Take notes on what’s easy, what’s hard, and make a short priority list to address over time.

5. Commit to Continuous Improvement

Accessibility isn’t a one-time project — it’s a mindset and a commitment. As technologies, communities, and standards evolve, your approach to accessibility must evolve too.

Action Step:Appoint an Accessibility Champion within your organization — someone responsible for keeping accessibility on the agenda, gathering feedback, and driving ongoing improvements.

It doesn’t have to be perfect right away. Progress beats perfection every time.

Conclusion

Creating accessible spaces, services, and experiences isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a strategic, mission-critical move.When you prioritize accessibility, you expand your reach, strengthen your impact, and build a culture where everyone can thrive.

You don't need to wait for the perfect plan or endless resources to get started.Accessibility begins with leadership, intention, and small, courageous steps taken today.

At Availing Echoism, we believe inclusion is a leadership responsibility — and one we can all rise to meet.