The lived experiences of people with disabilities cannot be simulated or imitated. The only way to get an inclusive product or service is to make sure that people with disabilities are included at all decision points. That means establishing an organization that is *actually* inclusive rather than performatively inclusive.
Easy-to-get accommodations and a disability ERG are good starting points. Following the four pillars of psychological safety is another. Having people with disabilities on the accessibility team is not enough. They need to be involved in user research, design, development, training, communications, support, and marketing.
If your product is accessible, but your online communications are not (for example) that makes the experience for your disabled customers more difficult and dilutes your organization’s message of inclusivity.
Alt text: “Nothing about us without us” is not just a slogan, it is the deepest desire of every person with a disability.
don’t launch or change products or services without including people with disabilities in all aspects of your development.