11 June 1989: The Day Everything Changed
From Tragedy To Purpose: Why Accessibility Matters To Me
Thirty-six years ago, my life changed forever. I had an accident that could have ended everything. It did not. It became the start of a much longer journey.
In this blog, I want to share the story of how that moment eventually led to the founding of Access by Design, and why it still shapes every accessibility audit we carry out today.
18 Years To Build Something That Mattered
It took 18 years to reach the point where I could launch a business that stood for something I deeply believed in. Now, 18 years later, we are still here, growing, learning, and helping businesses understand what WCAG compliance really means.
Accessibility Is About People, Not Just Standards
This work is personal to me. Accessibility is not an abstract checklist or a box-ticking exercise. It is about people. It is about someone with a visual impairment being able to use your website without barriers. It is about someone navigating your content with a screen reader or a keyboard and being able to do so independently. It is about making sure no one is left behind.
Our Audits Are Rooted In Real Experience
When we carry out an audit, it is not just a technical exercise. It is a human one. Our audits are carried out by real disabled people, each bringing their lived experience and insight into how your site actually functions in the real world. That makes a difference. That is what compliance should look like.
The EAA Deadline Is Approaching Fast
We are now just weeks away from the European Accessibility Act coming into effect. This will require websites and digital services that sell into or operate within the EU to meet strict accessibility standards. Many businesses still do not realise they are affected. Many more are not ready.
Start With An Audit, Not Perfection
If your website has not been audited for accessibility, now is the time to act. You do not need to fix everything overnight. You just need to start. A professional audit followed by a compliant statement is the best way to protect your business and show that you are taking this seriously.
Why I Do This Work
For me, this is not just work. It is the result of a life that took a different turn. A life that eventually became something greater than I ever imagined, because I found a way to use that experience to help others.
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If you are not sure whether your website is compliant, please just get in touch.