Who’s Shaping the Future of Tech Accessibility—And Who’s Holding It Back?

WCTU CLEVELAND 13 — As technology continues to shape how people interact with the world, usability research plays a critical role in ensuring that digital products are accessible and inclusive for all users. Companies, researchers, and advocacy groups invest in usability testing to refine digital tools, making them more intuitive and functional for people of all abilities. Efforts like the recently updated Progressive Usability Lab and global events such as the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference highlight the growing need to prioritize accessibility in design.

Many have heard about the Trump administration’s focus on dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, but one key aspect is often left out of the discussion: accessibility. DEI is actually more recently referred to as DEIA. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility—so what does that mean for accessibility-focused research and development? Is it at risk, or does it stand apart from the broader political debate?

The administration has introduced executive orders modifying DEI programs within federal agencies and contractors. These changes include reevaluating certain DEI-related mandates, policies, and programs, raising questions about their potential impact on accessibility initiatives.

One policy under scrutiny is Executive Order 11246, which historically prohibited employment discrimination by federal contractors and required affirmative action programs to promote equal opportunity. While recent federal actions have sought to reduce DEI-related obligations, the full extent to which accessibility programs will be affected remains unclear. Some advocates worry that changes in federal priorities could reduce emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity in federally funded projects, while others argue that accessibility initiatives can still thrive independently of DEI mandates.

Physical usability labs, like the one at Progressive Insurance, headquartered in the Cleveland suburb of Mayfield Village, Ohio, provide controlled environments where user interactions with digital tools can be observed and analyzed. This process helps identify potential barriers for users, including those with disabilities, ensuring that technology remains accessible to all customers. Any shifts in federal funding or priorities could influence the extent to which such initiatives receive institutional support, particularly among organizations that align with federal guidelines.

Events like the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, held annually in California, have long provided inclusive platforms for researchers, practitioners, and end users to collaborate on improving assistive technology. The conference showcases cutting-edge innovations that help individuals navigate technology with ease, from voice-controlled systems to AI-powered accessibility tools. While some organizations receiving federal funding may need to adapt to changing policies, accessibility research continues to evolve through private, academic, and nonprofit efforts.

Beyond corporate usability testing and international accessibility conferences, community-driven initiatives also play a key role in advancing digital inclusion. Marc Majers, a senior user experience leader, is the co-founder of Better World Day, an annual Cleveland-based event that brings together nonprofits, educators, and technologists to explore how emerging technologies can benefit communities. The 2024 conference, hosted at Hyland Software, focused on gamification as a tool to engage and educate users, particularly in nonprofit and educational settings.

“Better World Day, to me, means getting together technologies and people that can share ideas that we can actually build on,” Majers said.

Cleveland 13’s Nikkie Brown covered last year’s Better World Day, highlighting how organizations like the Workmen’s Circle Educational Center are embracing digital solutions to improve community engagement. Todd Packer, a board member of the Workmen’s Circle and co-creator of Better World Day, emphasized the importance of these gatherings for the nonprofit sector.

“We wanted to find a way to connect nonprofits with technology experts to explore how tech can help them serve their missions more effectively,” Packer said. “This conference allows professionals and students to learn about new tools and share ideas on how to make a positive impact.”

Neal Grossman, chairman of the board of the Workmen’s Circle Educational Center of Ohio, also spoke on the event’s broader goal of making technology accessible and inclusive.

“It is a way to show that we are moving forward with the rest of the world and promoting right today,” Grossman said. “We are promoting electronics through gaming. But it's to get people involved and see how our organization is moving forward with the rest of the world.”

As digital experiences become increasingly central to everyday life, usability testing and accessibility research remain critical in shaping a future where technology serves everyone. While recent federal policy changes introduce questions about future funding and prioritization, accessibility initiatives continue to be driven by a broad coalition of businesses, nonprofits, and advocates committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital world.