What Accessibility Really Looks Like in 2025
Let’s get one thing straight—accessibility isn’t just ramps, elevators, or wider doors.
It’s also captions. It’s clear digital experiences. It’s communication that doesn’t assume everyone processes the world the same way. Yet in 2025, the majority of businesses, brands, and yes—even major public events—are still missing the mark.
Let me tell you a quick story.
A friend of mine, Dannie Lynn Fountain, planned to attend the LA Times Festival of Books. Dannie Lynn needed accommodations and she followed all their instructions, emailing the contact listed on their FAQ 3 times to ask about accommodations.
No response.
She reached out on social media and finally heard back. Their reply?
“Accessibility has been incorporated into the planning of the festival as we seek to welcome an anticipated 155,000 attendees… All of our venues are accessible and have accessible seating. We do not have closed captioning and the accessible seat locations do vary depending on the venues.”
Oh—and they added:
“Guests are encouraged to bring their own mobility aids… We are not able to offer a separate queue or front of line option.”
Translation: If your access needs aren’t physical, you’re out of luck.
Dannie Lynn canceled her trip.
Her needs weren’t about ramps or seating—they were about communication access. No closed captioning. No interpreters. No plan.
And let’s be honest—that’s a choice. When an event says it’s accessible but doesn’t account for the full spectrum of disability, it’s not actually accessible. It’s performative.
Here’s the part that really stood out: the USC Hotel, a major partner for the event, fully refunded her (a nonrefundable room!) after she explained what happened. Why? Because they understood the legal and ethical implications of not meeting ADA accommodations. The hotel got it. The event didn’t.
Accessibility is not a checklist. It's a mindset.
I’m deafblind. You probably wouldn’t know it if you saw me. My needs aren’t always physical—but they are real. Sometimes I need captions. Sometimes I need an interpreter. It depends on the setting. That’s what true accessibility asks: what does this person need to fully participate?
And for those still stuck in the “physical access only” mindset—think about this:
Ever been at the airport, trying to pull up your boarding pass with no Wi-Fi? You feel stuck, embarrassed, sweating while people behind you grow impatient?
That’s what navigating a poorly designed digital experience feels like when you rely on assistive tech. That feeling? Now imagine it every day, across websites, events, and platforms that claim to “welcome everyone.”
Here’s the truth:
Accessibility is not just about physical space.
It’s digital, emotional, economic, and relational.
And it’s not just about disability—it’s about dignity.
When you build accessibility into your business, you're not just doing the “right” thing. You’re building trust. You’re increasing retention. You’re creating economic opportunity for people who’ve been left out. That’s Inclusive Economics in action.
Ready to start?
Grab the Social Media Accessibility Scorecard and join my email list. I’ll help you rethink accessibility, one clear, inclusive step at a time.
