In this episode of Beyond Barriers, we’re joined by Marco Pasqua, a well-known accessibility advocate with a background in video game design and a powerful personal journey. Marco shares insights into how he transitioned from the gaming industry to becoming an accessibility consultant, emphasizing the importance of empathy, universal design, and breaking down attitudinal barriers within organizations. Join us as we dive into his experiences and practical tips on creating effective, inclusive strategies in today’s fast-paced world.
Journey into Accessibility
How did you first get involved in the accessibility field?
Marco: "To be honest, I was quite reluctant to dive into the accessibility space initially. My career started as a video game designer and tester for Electronic Arts, a huge name in the gaming world, especially for sports games. Then the 2008–2010 recession hit, and I lost my job along with 1,500 other people in our studio. That was a turning point. I was born with cerebral palsy, and I use a wheelchair for most of my day, so it made sense to pivot into accessibility. My wife, who was then my girlfriend, encouraged me to consider this path. She saw my love for technology and for creating characters in games that surpassed my abilities and suggested I bring that passion to the real world. That was over 14 years ago, and I’ve been speaking and consulting on accessibility ever since."
Overcoming the "Pigeon-Holed" Identity
What has it been like navigating professional spaces as someone with a disability?
Marco: "Initially, I wanted people to recognize me for my skills, not my disability. In my mind, I didn’t want to be ‘the guy with a disability who talks about disability things.’ I just wanted people to know me as Marco Pasqua, the speaker, the consultant, who’s great at his job. My disability is part of who I am, but it’s not my entire identity. I think that’s something people often overlook. The focus should be on a person’s abilities and contributions, not on what makes them different. Thankfully, my entrepreneurial journey allowed me to shape my career on my own terms, and that’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything."
How has staying authentic impacted your career?
Marco: "A lot of people told me I was doing the speaking industry wrong. They said I should be selling books at the back of the room or using high-pressure sales tactics. But staying authentic—being real about my story—has allowed me to build strong, lasting connections. Word gets around if you’re genuine. I’m not a multimillionaire, but I have loyal clients who know I’m not just in it for a quick sale. For me, that’s the ultimate success."
How did you go from being a speaker to becoming a full-fledged accessibility consultant?
Marco: "It was a gradual process. My first exposure to public speaking came as a kid when I was the spokesperson for various non-profits. I even appeared on a national telethon program called Timmy’s Christmas Telethon back in the '90s. Fast forward to the post-recession period, I thought, 'Why not lean into what I’m good at?' So, I went back to all the organizations that supported me as a kid, offering to share my story, even if it meant speaking for free. Eventually, a friend approached me with an offer to join Reality Controls, a tech company focused on augmented and virtual reality. One thing led to another, and I gave a TED Talk on the impact of technology on accessibility. That exposure led to working with prominent figures like Rick Hansen, who’s a major name in accessibility here in Canada. His encouragement was instrumental in building my consulting business."
Challenges of Implementing Accessibility in Organizations
What are some key challenges you encounter when helping brands implement accessibility?
Marco: "One of the biggest issues is getting buy-in from senior leadership. For many companies, accessibility just seems like an extra cost. I have to explain that the average accommodation costs less than $500. It’s not all about installing elevators and ramps—it can be as simple as allowing flexible hours or adding task lighting. When leaders see accessibility as a part of corporate culture rather than just an HR policy, it becomes an investment in their people and, ultimately, their brand. And, of course, customers will notice when they see themselves represented within the organization."
What are some of the broader systemic issues in accessibility?
Marco: "There’s a lot of talk about systemic barriers, especially in the DEI space. I think the biggest barrier, though, is attitudinal. Changing someone’s perception is tough. If people have preconceived notions about what you’re capable of, that can be a deal-breaker before you even get a chance to prove yourself. Attitudinal barriers need to be the first things we address before we can tackle physical or technological ones."
Brian: "That’s so true. Attitudes can be deeply ingrained, especially among leaders who may not see the immediate value in change."
How do you balance advocacy with activism when addressing accessibility?
Marco: "There’s a clear difference between advocacy and activism. Advocates usually come to the table with a plan and solutions. Activists, on the other hand, often lead with frustration, which can make it hard to find common ground. When I walk into a C-suite office, I’m not there to point fingers. I’m there to say, ‘Here’s where we can improve, and here’s how.’ Meeting organizations where they’re at and then moving forward together is how I get them to listen."
Embracing Universal Design
How does universal design fit into accessibility efforts?
Marco: "Universal design means designing spaces, products, and experiences that everyone can use without modifications. Think about automatic doors or elevators—these aren’t just for people with disabilities. During the pandemic, we saw how everyone benefited from hands-free solutions. True universal design means everyone enters through the same door with dignity, whether it’s a restaurant or a digital space. I want meaningful access for everyone, not just compliance."
Using AI in Accessibility
What role do you see for AI in enhancing accessibility?
Marco: "AI is going to be a huge disruptor. I’m already seeing tools that use AI to interpret sign language or make websites more navigable. The hope is that it doesn’t just make things easier for people with disabilities—it could make digital access intuitive for everyone. I think of my own AI assistant, Gideon. I’ve fed it my knowledge base, and now it can provide accessibility guidance based on real standards. It’s like having an assistant that knows all the rules without needing a crash course."
Final Thoughts
What message would you like to leave with our readers?
Marco: "I’d love for people to understand the power of diverse perspectives. Hiring someone with lived experience—whether that’s a disability or a unique background—can change the way your team approaches problems. But make sure it’s the right person for the role, not just a diversity checkbox. Authentic inclusion benefits everyone involved."
Brian: "Thank you, Marco. This was a fantastic conversation, and I look forward to seeing the impact you continue to make."
