As you create learning experiences or build technology, it’s easy to focus on speed, scope, and style. But what happens when your solutions don’t work for everyone?
That’s the question Rain Hinkle—accessibility and equity advocate in technology—tackled in a recent ELB Learning webinar. Rain’s session was designed to challenge everyone to reconsider their approach to design. It wasn’t just a checklist either; it was a paradigm-shifting examination of how intentional design choices can create more inclusive, practical solutions for all involved.
Designing for accessibility and equity isn’t just about doing the appropriate thing; it’s about building better experiences that don’t intentionally (or unintentionally) exclude anyone.
Accessibility Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought
One of the most significant issues in learning and product development is the sad fact that accessibility often comes too late in the process, if at all. Much too often, features like screen reader compatibility, alt text, or color contrast considerations get added in later versions (or not at all), long after the core experience has been launched.
Waiting to think about accessibility is a mistake that can cost time, money, and trust. It’s much more efficient—and impactful—to bake these decisions into your design from the start. That might mean adjusting your user research to include more diverse participants, testing with assistive technology, or questioning assumptions about how people will engage with your solution.
When accessibility is a part of your foundation, not a retrofit, your end users are empowered from the beginning, and the results speak for themselves.
Equity versus Equality
What’s the difference between equity and equality? There is a difference, and it’s significant. Equality means giving everyone the same thing. It’s taken from the word equal, which means being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value. Equity, however, means giving people what they need to succeed. In a learning or tech context, that might mean offering flexible formats, adaptive tools, or content that represents a wide range of identities and experiences.
It also means thinking carefully about who can and cannot use your training or tools. Consider who would be left out or struggle to engage. Not making those considerations means you may be inadvertently building barriers.
A one-size-fits-all approach might be cheap and seem efficient, but it rarely works. True equity requires a shift in mindset from mass distribution to intentional inclusion.
Unconscious Bias and the AI Dilemma
As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in learning and tech, it brings a new challenge: unconscious bias. AI tools mirror the information they’re trained on, and if that data isn’t diverse or representative, the results can reinforce harmful patterns.
This doesn’t mean AI should be avoided; it means it should be approached with your eyes wide open. Teams need to evaluate their inputs, test for blind spots, and actively seek input from those who may be unexpectedly affected. Otherwise, there’s a risk of alienating or even harming users who don’t fit the model.
Accessibility in the age of AI requires a new level of vigilance and responsibility, but the payoff is worth it.
Representation Matters (So Does Empathy)
It’s not just about the technology or the interface. Visual and cultural representation also plays a huge role in helping users feel seen and supported. Something as simple as using diverse, more inclusive characters in a training video—or making room for preferred names and pronouns—can establish a powerful sense of belonging. But none of this happens in a vacuum.
The most effective teams design with people, not for them.
That means pulling in a wide range of voices early and often, asking better questions, and being open to feedback—even when it’s uncomfortable. Empathy isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s the cornerstone of accessible, equitable design. And it’s something every team can practice, regardless of size, budget, or industry.
The Business Case for Inclusion
Although morality is a compelling reason to incorporate inclusive design, it isn’t the only one. Inclusivity is a smart business decision, too. Training that works for more people leads to better performance, higher engagement, and fewer requests for support. Technology that adapts to a wider range of needs earns more loyalty and adoption. It’s basic math, really.
And while investing in accessibility up front may require more time and thought, it’s significantly cheaper than fixing problems later. Revising a product or retraining a team takes time, money, and resources. Doing it right the first time is smart and efficient.
Build Better from the Start
Designing for accessibility and equity isn’t a burden; it’s an opportunity. It’s a chance to create more effective solutions, reach more users, and reflect the diversity of the world. By asking the right questions early, testing with intention, and listening to real feedback, you can build something that doesn’t just work—it works for everyone.
Want to hear the full conversation, explore the examples shared, and hear the questions asked and answered during the session? Watch the full webinar below.
Ready to take your accessibility strategy to the next level? Learn more about ELB Learning’s consulting services.
Disclaimer: The ideas, perspectives, and strategies shared in this article reflect the expertise of our featured speaker, Rain Hinkle. To explore more of their insights, be sure to follow them on LinkedIn.
View the original article and our Inspiration here