Editor’s Note:
When David and I first talked about publishing this accessibility guest blog, I was 100% on board. But my initial instinct was also “Maybe we should wait a bit before publishing it?”.
We’ve been in the planning phase of some website enhancements for a while now, and I was worried that posting it before our new website goes live would be hypocritical. I didn’t want it to come off as “Do as I say, not as I do.”, because we’re not where we’d like to be when it comes to accessibility.
But accessibility isn’t a destination, it’s a continuous journey. There’s no “end point” or “one-size-fits-all solution”. It’s about knowing better, and then doing better. Every day.
I’ve known David Best for many years now, and every time I talk to him, I learn something new about accessibility. And that’s the point of this blog.
So with that, we’re launching the first post in this 5-part series today, December 3rd, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and we invite you to join us on this journey together.
– John-Marc Vachon, Director of Marketing & Events, WEtech Alliance
“The accessibility problems of today are the mainstream breakthroughs of tomorrow.” – Eve Andersson, Director, Accessibility Engineering, Google
What is accessibility?
By David Best
What is accessibility? Great question! Accessibility is one of those terms that gets thrown around a lot but often misunderstood. Many people think it’s just about following rules or checking off compliance boxes. In reality, accessibility is about productivity, profitability, and people.
If you’re a small business owner, here’s the bottom line: accessibility isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a growth strategy. And it all starts with four timeless human principles: Dignity, Independence, Integration, and Equality.
When you weave these values into your business, you’re not only doing what’s right—you’re setting yourself up for stronger productivity, higher customer loyalty, and long-term sustainability.
Why accessibility matters more than ever
Between 2019 and 2024, Canada’s productivity growth flatlined at around 0% (Statistics Canada). That’s a historic low. One big reason? Businesses have shifted focus from serving human needs to chasing technology that mostly benefits big corporations.
But here’s the opportunity: small and medium-sized businesses can flip the script. By building trust, accountability, and transparency into how you operate, you can differentiate yourself — and grow faster. Accessibility is the path forward.
Simply put, accessibility means making your information, services, and experiences usable and meaningful to as many people as possible. And when you do that, everybody wins.
The business case for accessibility
Let’s break down the real-world benefits:
- Employees
An accessible workplace isn’t just good for morale—it’s good for business. Employees who feel supported are more productive, stick around longer, and spread the word about your company culture. Plus, accessibility helps you attract a diverse pool of talent.
- Customers
When your website, products, and services are accessible, customers have a better experience. And satisfied customers? They’re loyal customers — cheaper to keep, more likely to refer, and far more valuable over time.
- Your Brand
Accessibility builds trust. In today’s market, people want to support businesses that align with their values. Showing a real commitment to inclusivity enhances your brand reputation in a big way.
- Market Reach
Making your business more inclusive expands your audience. Accessibility opens doors to new markets, including people with disabilities, and positions you as a business that welcomes everyone.
- Innovation
Some of the best innovations come from solving accessibility challenges. When you design with inclusivity in mind, you often end up creating better products and services for all customers.
- Risk Management
Accessibility isn’t just about opportunity—it’s also about protection. Avoiding lawsuits, fines, or PR headaches is much easier (and cheaper) when you’re proactive about compliance.
- Competitive Advantage
Here’s the kicker: accessibility can set you apart from the competition. It can become part of your unique value proposition, helping you stand out in crowded markets.
Accessibility = smart investment
Think of accessibility as a long-term investment, not a short-term cost. The ROI shows up in bigger markets, stronger customer loyalty, improved brand reputation, and lower risks.
More importantly, accessibility aligns your business with the broader movement toward diversity, inclusivity, and social responsibility. These aren’t buzzwords—they’re expectations from today’s employees and consumers.
What’s next?
This is just the starting point. Over the next few articles, we’ll dive deeper into how the four core principles of accessibility can directly fuel your business success:
- Dignity: Marketing With Integrity
- Independence: Effective Communications
- Integration: Valuing Human Engagement
- Equality: Stabilizing Progress
Accessibility isn’t about doing more work—it’s about doing better work. And when you build your business on these principles, you don’t just stay competitive—you lead the way.
David Best is a digital communication strategist who helps organizations improve productivity, scalability, and market reach through innovation and inclusive design. With a degree in software engineering and experience at IBM Canada, he has developed performance-driven strategies that enable businesses to access untapped markets and strengthen customer engagement through digital accessibility. Blinded in childhood, David combines lived experience with technical expertise, making him a recognized speaker and facilitator who challenges leaders to rethink how they engage both talent and customers with disabilities. His approach demonstrates how accessibility not only removes barriers but also creates measurable value and competitive advantage. Guided by the belief that investing in people builds resilient organizations and stronger communities, David equips businesses with the tools to thrive in an increasingly diverse marketplace.
Profile: About David Best https://www.bestaccessibility.consulting/about-david-best/
LinkedIn: Connect with David https://www.linkedin.com/in/davebest99/?originalSubdomain=ca
Podcast: Practical Accessibility Insights https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/practical-accessibility/
Top 10 Leading Speakers to Follow in 2025 https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/top-10-leading-speakers-to-follow-in-2025/ar-AA1O2Yya
