I am honored to have served as the keynote speaker yesterday at the JPMorgan Chase Columbus corporate office in recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day! The program was broadcast globally, with a live audience in the conference center.
I appreciated the intentional accessibility features incorporated throughout the event. The meeting professionals arranged for two sign language interpreters on stage with me, live captions on both the in-room and Zoom screens, and a stage with a ramp to ensure full access and inclusion.
My keynote, “Stronger Together: Why Accessibility Is Everyone’s Business,” was custom designed to examine accessibility as both a human right and a strategic business advantage. I shared how accessible and universal design are shaping the future of homes and workplaces creating safer, more productive environments for employees and customers alike.
I included photos of our national demonstration home and garden, the Universal Design Living Laboratory. I shared photos of the JPMorgan Chase branch bank near my home to showcase accessible features.
The session explored why accessibility must be viewed as a mainstream business imperative, directly connected to talent retention, enhanced customer experiences, innovation, risk management, and long-term growth.
I also shared population data about people with disabilities, both visible and non-apparent, to challenge assumptions and broaden perspectives.
Inclusive environments foster resilience, innovation, trust, and belonging for everyone.
When we design for the margins, we strengthen the mainstream.
