It's always helpful to point to competitors that are implementing the same things that you are trying to champion. People are unlikely to do work just because someone else says so, so explaining or demonstrating the disadvantages of NOT having accessibility features is a great start. It's also very effective to point out that accessibility features have often become heuristics of products that we now expect to have. A great example of this is the crosshair, look up a guy called Robert Hooke and his telescope for the story.

To encourage a team to prioritize accessibility, start by highlighting its real-world impact through user stories and data, showing how it improves lives and expands reach. Integrate accessibility into workflows early, setting clear standards and providing tools like WAVE or Lighthouse for testing. Foster empathy with hands-on experiences, such as simulating disabilities or using assistive technologies, to help the team understand user challenges. Celebrate wins by sharing success stories and recognizing contributions to accessibility. Gain leadership buy-in to secure resources and emphasize accessibility as a core value. Lastly, make it personal by connecting accessibility to everyday experiences like temporary disabilities or aging.

I will emphasize that accessibility isn’t extra work, and it’s about reaching everyone and creating better, more inclusive experiences. Showing the team how small changes, like adding alt text or improving contrast, can have a huge impact. As a team member/leader/manager, it is my responsibility to educate them on how prioritizing accessibility drives innovation, strengthens connections, and benefits both business growth and personal development as empathetic individuals, inspiring them to embrace meaningful change.

I’d start by educating the team on the importance of accessibility—not just for compliance but for creating an inclusive user experience. I’d highlight how accessible design benefits everyone, including people with disabilities, and often improves overall usability. By sharing data on accessibility’s impact on audience reach and conversion, I’d emphasize its value. Collaboration tools, small wins, and clear guidelines can also make the process smoother, ensuring accessibility becomes part of the team’s standard workflow.

Resisting change is a natural human phenomenon, but everyone relates to and understands it when it is backed up with Logos (facts) and Pathos (empathizing). This will surely make the life of every Product Manager or UX Researcher easier.

Accessibility ensures everyone can benefit from digital products, improving user experience and expanding reach. Facing resistance can be challenging, but here’s how I would approach it: 1. Share real-life stories showing how accessibility changes lives. 2. Highlight benefits like improved UX, SEO boosts, and a broader audience. 3. Start with quick, impactful changes to show value. 4. Involve the team in brainstorming accessible solutions. 5. Use stats or feedback to prove accessibility drives engagement. It’s about shifting the mindset from compliance to building inclusive, meaningful experiences.

In my experience, to get members on board with accessibility, its essential to approach the conversation with understanding and empathy. You can start by acknowledging their concerns and perspectives then provide education and awareness on its importance. Explain how accessibility benefits not only people with disabilities but also others. Highlight the business benefits including increased user base, improved brand reputation and compliance with regulations. You should also involve team members in the accessibility process, encourage open communication, provide resources and support to help them understand and implement accessibility features.

Show the Impact: Share real stories or data on how accessibility improves user experience and reach. Demonstrate ROI: Highlight how accessible design boosts business, SEO, and user retention. Run Empathy Exercises: Use tools like screen readers or simulations to build understanding. Start Small: Integrate quick wins (e.g., color contrast, alt text) to show progress. Make It Collaborative: Position accessibility as a team responsibility, not a burden. Accessibility isn’t optional—it’s better design for everyone.

I explain that accessibility benefits all users, not just those with disabilities. By sharing real user stories and data showing improved engagement, I highlight tangible gains. Involving the team in testing accessible features lets them see positive results firsthand. Presenting accessibility as a quality standard, rather than an extra task, helps shift their perspective, encouraging them to embrace inclusive design.

Accessibility is often seen as optional in the workplace, and that’s the first thing we need to change. Accessibility evaluations must become a quality requirement to approve any project! If your team is resistant to this topic, start by educating and shifting the team’s culture. Organize opportunities for immersive learning experiences and shared content to foster understanding. Today, many expert consultancies are available to help organizations embrace accessibility and inclusion.