Yes! Access.

A graphic titled “Disability Access Quick Tip” in bold black and purple text. Below, a yellow sticky-note-style shape reads: “Respect Preferred Language. Follow the lead of the person or community you’re referring to on whether to use People-First or Identity-First Language.” A small label at the bottom says “#YesAccess.” The background features soft pink and purple gradients.

Language is powerful. When we talk about people with disabilities, the most respectful approach is simple: follow their lead.

Some prefer Identity-First Language (e.g., “Autistic person”). Others prefer People-First Language (e.g., “person with a disability”). And many individuals use both.

A graphic featuring a stylized black-and-white portrait of Lisa Friedman against a yellow rectangular background, set on a purple gradient canvas. A large white quotation mark sits beside her image. Below, white text reads: “We do not ‘do’ inclusion ‘for’ people with disabilities, rather it is incumbent upon us to figure out how all the things we do can be inclusive.” – Lisa Friedman. The top right corner shows the YES! Access logo.

When millions of people have a disability, inclusion isn't optional - it's something we must design into everything we do, or we are actively excluding a significant chunk of every community.

Lisa Friedman’s words remind us that inclusion is not charity, and we shouldn't wait for a request it.

A young electric wheelchair user holds a white sign that reads “FIX THE SYSTEM. NOT ME.” He has light skin, short brown hair, and glasses, and wears a blue hoodie. Bold blue text above him says “70 million Americans have a disability (more than 1 in 4 Americans).” To the right, purple text reads, “When a system doesn’t include the largest minority group in the country, it is broken and needs to be fixed.” The background is light pink with soft gradients, and the bottom corner includes the hashtag #ImagineAccess along with the YES! Access logo.

More than 70 million Americans (over one in four) have a disability. And yet our systems, policies, and public spaces still routinely leave disabled people out.

When a system and the standards society has set fails to include millions of people, it needs to be fixed.

We can (and must) fix it.

A close-up of a father holding his young child with Down syndrome. They are smiling and embracing each other. Text reads “International Day of Persons with Disabilities – 03 Dec” and “A time to recognize and remove the barriers keeping people with disabilities from fully participating in school, work, and community life.” The Yes! Access logo appears in the top right corner.

Today, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we confront the barriers that still deny millions their full place in their communities.

Inaccessible systems, discriminatory policies, underfunded supports, and outdated assumptions are barriers we must dismantle to include millions.

A world that supports the participation of everyone is possible. And each of us has a role in building it.

Today we honor disabled people around the world. And we also confront the truth that too many barriers still prevent full participation in learning, contributing, and belonging in society.

A feminine-presenting person with sunglasses sits on a bench holding a white cane. A large golden retriever guide dog sits beside her. Text reads “03 Dec. International Day of Persons with Disabilities” and “A time to recognize and remove the barriers keeping people with disabilities from fully participating in school, work, and community life.” The Yes! Access logo appears in the top right corner.

Tomorrow is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It’s a day that calls on us to not only acknowledge barriers but remove them.

Too many people with disabilities are still excluded from everyday life by systems, spaces, and experiences that fail to acknowledge that diversity is human.

Support creating access for everyone We are 70 million strong.  Together, we can change how disability is seen, understood, and valued. Together, we can protect our rights, expand our access, and secure our future.It’s not unusual to…

This #GivingTuesday, we’re building something different -
a world where access is the expectation.

Support a disability owned and operated non-profit to bring leaders, innovators, and advocates together to advance accessibility,
Donate today.

A black-and-white photo of Oliver Sacks appears on the top half of a purple and yellow graphic. Below, the quote reads: “I wish for a world that views disability, mental or physical, not as a hindrance but as unique attributes that can be seen as powerful assets if given the right opportunities.” The Yes! Access logo is in the top right corner.

Disability becomes a “hindrance” only when society builds barriers instead of pathways.

Oliver Sacks’ words remind us that disability is a part of human diversity we should naturally plan for. We can design systems, workplaces, and communities that assume inclusion of everyone.

A feminine-presenting person with curly hair sits in a wheelchair outdoors, holding a large white photo frame in front of their body. Inside the frame, text reads: “It’s NOT unusual to want to go out in the community.” Below the image, bold text states: “It is unusual to design spaces & activities that exclude millions.” The Yes! Access branding appears in the corner.

It’s not unusual to want to go out, participate in community life, or enjoy the places everyone else does.
That’s human.
That’s expected.

What is unusual is designing spaces, events, and experiences that shut millions of people out from the start.

Consideration for all should be the default.

A graphic with a light pink background and a yellow note that reads “Avoid ‘Click Here’ Links. Use descriptive link text like ‘Read our Accessibility Guide’ instead of ‘click here.’ Screen readers rely on this context.” The top of the note says “Disability Access Quick Tip,” and the Yes! Access logo appears in the upper right corner.

Accessibility starts with small details, like how you share links.

When you use “click here”, screen readers don’t give users any context.

But when you write descriptive text like “Read our Accessibility Guide,” you’re making your content understandable for everyone.

Simple change, big impact.

A graphic with a soft pink background and the Yes! Access logo in the upper right corner. Large text reads, “Your Vote, Your Power.” Below it says, “Vote For A Better Future November 4th.” A person with short brown hair wearing a beige shirt stands at the bottom, flexing both arms to depict their strength. The hashtag #YesAccess appears in the bottom right corner.

Your vote is a crucial way to bring about change.

Millions with disabilities will cast their ballots this November 4th. Together, we have the power to shape a future built on access, inclusion, and opportunity for all.

Find accessible voting options in your state here: accessiblevoting.net

A graphic with a purple background and the Yes! Access logo in the top right corner. A black-and-white portrait of Robert Kennedy appears on the right side over a gold rectangle. On the left, a large white quotation mark and text read: “Ultimately, America’s answer to the intolerant man is diversity.” — Robert Kennedy.

We push back against intolerance by opening doors, welcoming others in, and protecting one another.

By building workplaces where access isn’t performative, but a principle.
By choosing leaders — and becoming them — who know inclusion drives progress.
Now more than ever, we must live that truth.

Hiring people with disabilities isn’t just a good thing to do, it’s good for business. It’s innovation, engagement, retention, loyalty, growth, and much more.

Why? When you remove barriers, you also unlock innovation, strengthen culture, and build trust with employees, customers, and communities.

[Image Description: A colorful graphic with the Yes! Access logo in the top right corner. Text reads “Disability Access Quick Tip” and on a post-it note it says, “Always Include Alt Text. Describe what’s in your images concisely and meaningfully. Focus on the purpose of the image, not just what’s visible.” A small label at the bottom says “#YesAccess.” The design features yellow and pink blocks with a soft gradient background. End ID]

Communication and connection start with accessibility.

Today’s Disability Access Quick Tip:
Always include alt text.
Alt text is that way that you convey both a description of what’s in an image and its purpose. It helps people using screen readers understand what others see.

[Image Description: A graphic shows a smiling woman with curly purple and gray hair wearing a blue patterned sleeveless top. Text reads: “Accessibility and inclusion aren’t accommodations — they’re accelerators of innovation.” – Debra Ruh. The background is purple and gold with the Yes! Access logo in the top right corner. End ID]

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens when we include every perspective.

Accessibility is the key that unlocks creativity, productivity, and progress.

When workplaces design for access, they don’t just support employees with disabilities — they empower everyone to thrive.

#YesAccess

[Image Description: A minimalist graphic with the Yes! Access logo in the top right corner. The background is a soft gradient of pink, purple, and gold. In the center, text reads: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope.” – Helen Keller. The quote appears on a white paper-style box with gold tape accents. The hashtag #YesAccess appears in blue at the bottom right. End ID]

Even in the most challenging times, hope remains one of our greatest tools for change.

Persistence of hope was essential to securing basic rights for people with disabilities decades ago.
And now that same optimism gives us faith that a better future is possible and to keep pushing forward.

[Image Description: A graphic with the Yes! Access logo in the top right corner. The text reads: “Imagine if... when you injure your leg or spine, you can still work at your job because it’s designed for access.” The photo shows a smiling woman seated in a wheelchair in a workshop setting, wearing overalls and holding a tablet. The background features tools and equipment. End ID]

Imagine access being the foundation of every work and community space.

Accessibility doesn’t just benefit people with disabilities; it benefits everyone. A workplace designed for access means that when life changes with a broken leg, a surgery, or an injury you don’t lose your access to work.

[Image Description: A graphic with the Yes! Access logo in the top right corner reads “Disability Access Quick Tip.” Below, on a post-it note text says “Use CamelCase for Hashtags. Capitalize each word in hashtags (e.g., #AccessForAll). This makes them readable for screen readers and everyone else.” A small blue label at the bottom says “#YesAccess.” The background is a gradient of soft yellow, pink, and blue. End ID]

Is your communication accessible to everyone?

Today’s Disability Access Quick Tip:
Your Hashtags should look like camel humps, with capitalization on the first letter of each word (for example, #AccessForAll). This makes the hashtag easier to read for everyone.
#YesAccess #Accessibility #Inclusion

[Image Description: A colorful infographic titled “5 Reasons Hiring for Disability Inclusion is a Business Advantage.” It lists: 1. The Financial Boost — Companies that embrace disability inclusion outperform peers with 28% higher revenue, 200% higher net income, and 30% higher profit margins. 2. Innovation Thrives — People with disabilities bring new perspectives and creative problem-solving. 3. Retention Improves — Employees with disabilities show exceptional engagement and reliability. 4. Core Culture Strengthens — Inclusion builds empathy, collaboration, and morale. 5. Reputation and Brand Value Increases — Inclusion attracts top talent and customer loyalty. The Yes! Access logo appears in the top right corner. End ID]

Hiring people with disabilities is a smart move for businesses.
Who wouldn’t want:
- 28% higher revenue
- 200% higher net income
- 30% higher profit margins
- Better recruitment, retention and company culture
- A boost in trust and loyalty among customers

Intentional inclusivity benefits everyone.

[Image Description: A graphic features a black-and-white photo of Richard Pimentel smiling, with a purple and gold background. Text reads: “Hiring people with disabilities isn’t charity. It’s smart business.” – Richard Pimentel. The Yes! Access logo appears in the top right corner. End ID]

Hiring people with disabilities is good business.

Companies that embrace disability inclusion see higher retention, stronger innovation, and greater employee satisfaction.

When workplaces remove barriers and create access, they don’t just meet compliance — they unlock potential.

#YesAccess

[Image Description: A graphic reads “Imagine if… when you have dexterity issues due to age or injury, you can still work with the support of accommodations.” Below, an image shows a woman seated at a desk holding her wrist, appearing to experience pain. A laptop and bookshelf are in the background. The Yes! Access logo appears in the top right corner, and the hashtag #ImagineAccess is at the bottom. End ID]

Imagine if accessibility was simply how the world worked.

When age, injury, or health changes how we use our hands, easy access to everyday accommodations like adaptive keyboards, speech-to-text, or ergonomic tools can mean we don’t have to worry about if we can still do our jobs and contribute.

[Image Description: A graphic titled “The Office Reimagined” lists examples of ways to design a workplace welcoming to everyone: lighting that supports sensory comfort, adjustable desks and chairs, plain-language communication, flexible scheduling, and adjustable brightness to avoid sensory overload. On the bottom right is a smiling man wearing a red tie and light shirt. The Yes! Access logo appears in the top right corner. End ID]

What if every workplace were designed so everyone can thrive?

Sensory-friendly lighting and flexible schedules to plain-language communication and ergonomic design, inclusive workplaces are better workplaces.

Let’s imagine access, and then do the work to make it real.

#YesAccess

[Image Description: A graphic features the text “Tomorrow’s Success Begins with Today’s Schooling.” It explains that the path to employment success begins with support for every child to learn, and lists what’s lost without the Office of Special Education: no vital learning resources, no accountability for IDEA, no guidance for schools, no advocate for parents, and no research to ensure outcomes. At the bottom right, a young girl with pigtails sits in a wheelchair smiling. The Yes! Access logo appears in the top right corner. End ID]

Future career success starts with today's education support.

The recent layoffs in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education threaten the very foundation that prepares students with disabilities for their future careers. Access to education is access to opportunity. Speak out.

Image Description: A black-and-white image of Judy Heumann smiling while seated in a power wheelchair appears against a purple and gold background. The text reads: “People with disabilities want the same thing as everyone else — a fair chance to contribute, to succeed, and to belong.” – Judy Heumann. The Yes! Access logo appears in the top right corner. End ID]

Judy Heumann’s words remind us of something simple — and powerful:
Access is really about — opportunity, dignity, and the freedom to participate fully in every part of life.

When we build workplaces, communities, and systems that welcome everyone, we create a stronger, more united society.

[Image Description: A graphic with the text “Imagine if… when you have vision loss due to age or injury, you still can work and you’ll have the tools to do your job.” Below the text, an image shows two women in a workplace setting — one seated and using a computer, the other standing beside her providing guidance. The background is light with accents of yellow and purple, and the Yes! Access logo appears in the top right corner. The hashtag #ImagineAccess is at the bottom. End ID]

Imagine if access wasn’t something you had to fight for but something that was already built in.

So, when you experience vision loss due to age or injury, the ability to keep working is the last thing you have to worry about.

#YesAccess #ImagineAccess #Accessibility #UniversalDesign #NDEAM

[Image Description: A colorful infographic titled “Hiring People with Disabilities: Myth vs. Facts.” The left column, in pink, lists common myths, and the right column, in blue, provides the facts. Four myths are shown: “Hiring people with disabilities is costly,” “People with disabilities can’t perform at the same level,” “Accessibility only benefits a small group,” and “People with disabilities don’t want to work.” The corresponding facts note that most accommodations cost little or nothing, employees with disabilities often have higher performance and retention, accessibility benefits everyone, and that most people with disabilities are eager to work but face barriers. Small illustrations show diverse disabled and non-disabled workers in inclusive settings. The Yes! Access logo appears in the top right corner, and #YesAccess is written in the bottom right. End ID]

Challenge the myths that stand in the way of opportunity with the facts!

The truth? People with disabilities are a driving force in our economy. They contribute innovation, dedication, and diverse perspectives that make workplaces stronger

What is a myth you have seen and the truth?

#YesAccess

[Image Description: A black-and-white photo of disability rights advocate Karen Clay with short hair and glasses resting on her head. She holds up both fists toward the camera — one reads “HEALTH CARE VOTER” and the other “FIGHT LIKE A MOM.” The background is bright purple and yellow with the Yes! Access logo in the top right corner. Text reads: “The greatest barriers that persons with disabilities have overcome are not steps or curbs, it’s expectations.” – Karen Clay. End ID]

The greatest barriers people with disabilities face are often attitudinal.

It’s expectations that set unnatural limitations on our potential.

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, let’s raise our expectations of the systems around people with disabilities.

#YesAccess

[Image Description: A colorful infographic titled “5 Actions for National Disability Employment Awareness Month.” The list includes: 1. Review accessibility. 2. Spotlight disabled stories. 3. Host trainings or panels. 4. Promote advancement options. 5. Engage in community partnerships. Each item includes a short explanation and an icon. The Yes! Access logo appears in the top right corner and #YesAccess in the bottom right. End ID]

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) — a time to recognize the contributions of disabled workers and to strengthen our commitment to inclusive workplaces.

Celebrating NDEAM isn’t just about awareness. It’s about action. Here are a few meaningful ways to get involved.

[Image Description: A colorful graphic with the Yes! Access logo in the top right corner. Bold text reads: “70 million Americans have a disability (more than 1 in 4 of us). The largest marginalized group that anyone can join at any time. Building an accessible world benefits everyone.” At the bottom, a diverse group of smiling people of different ages, including a man using a wheelchair, raise their hands together in celebration. End ID]

Accessibility isn’t just about disability — it’s about building communities where everyone can fully participate, connect, and thrive.

When we make access the expectation, we create a future where dignity, independence, and opportunity aren’t limited to some, but guaranteed for all.

#YesAccess

[Image Description: A black-and-white photo of Josh Bersin, a smiling man in a suit, set against a bright yellow and purple background with the Yes! Access logo in the top right corner. A large white quotation mark appears on the left. The quote reads: “Companies that embrace diversity and inclusion in all aspects of their business statistically outperform their peers.” – Josh Bersin. End ID]

Inclusion is an advantage for your business.

Research consistently shows that companies that support diversity and accessibility in their workforce outperform their peers.

#YesAccess #OctoberNDEAM #Inclusion #Accessibility #BusinessSucccess