Accessibility is multifaceted – it’s about people and their needs; it’s about removing barriers; and it’s also about the role we all play in making the world a more accessible place.

Recently, I watched a recording of Greg Alchin’s presentation Ubiquitous Accessibility, at A11y Camp 2024. Greg works for Service New South Wales (NSW), which is a State Government agency that serves as a one-stop shop for locating various government services. Early in his talk, he said a phrase that he wanted all the audience to learn – “Every customer can”

That small phrase really resonated with me because as Greg said, it boils all the guidelines and legislation down into a simple statement that you can unpack (in Greg’s case) to make more accessible services.

After watching, I had an idea for a statement that expresses the way I think about accessibility. A statement that is both a mindset and a call to action.

Everyone can.

As a mindset, it is about putting people first. From the beginning, how can I ensure that everyone can [insert action]?

The guidelines, legislation, and checklists are tools I use to help improve accessibility. Conforming to criteria is not the end goal. Products, services and spaces that everyone can use is.

Adopting this mindset means always considering the diverse needs and experiences of others. It’s about proactively seeking feedback from a wide range of people and adjusting as necessary. Accessibility is not a one-time task but an ongoing commitment to inclusion and continuous improvement.

Everyone can.

As a call to action, it is about the role that I and everyone can play when it comes to accessibility. You might not be a website developer or a software engineer or a product designer, but everyone can do something to remove accessibility barriers.

Simple actions such as checking contrast, adding alternative text and captioning videos are things everyone can do. Start small and then build on that. If you come across something that is not accessible in the digital or physical world, fix it if you can or report it if you can’t. If we do nothing, then nothing will change.

Everyone can learn more about disability (both visible and invisible) and accessibility. This helps to embed the mindset. By seeking out resources, attending workshops, or simply listening to people with lived experience, we can deepen our understanding and empathy. This ongoing learning not only broadens our perspective but also empowers us to make informed choices that enhance inclusion in everyday life.

What is one action you could take today to make the world a more accessible place?