Welcome to another podcast conversation of Beyond Barriers, a community dedicated to promoting accessibility awareness through discussions with accessibility leaders around the world. Each episode dives into the journeys of remarkable individuals who navigate the successes and challenges of implementing effective accessibility strategies.
Today, we're thrilled to introduce Tanya Saxana, a passionate leader in accessibility. Tanya shares her inspiring journey, insights, and the approaches she's used to overcome accessibility challenges that could have impacted her organization’s journey.
You can listen to the audio or read the transcript below.
Tanya's Journey and Inspiration for Accessibility
What inspired you to get involved in accessibility and make it a core part of your work?
Tanya: "I didn’t set out specifically to work in accessibility. My background was more focused on technology, but as I started seeing the impact of accessible design on people’s lives, I felt drawn to this space. The moment you realize that a design choice can change someone’s experience for the better—it’s powerful."
How do you see accessibility beyond just meeting compliance standards?
Tanya: "For me, accessibility is a core value—it’s about making sure everyone has an equal chance to participate and benefit. Compliance is a necessary part, but it’s not the whole picture. Accessibility should be about creating better, user-friendly experiences for all."
Empathy, Challenges, and Leadership in Accessibility
How has empathy shaped your approach to accessibility?
Tanya: "Empathy plays a huge role. When you’re designing for accessibility, you need to think about the diverse needs of users. It’s essential to step outside your own perspective and understand how a feature can impact someone who may experience it differently than you."
What challenges have you encountered in scaling accessibility initiatives?
Tanya: "One of the biggest challenges is getting buy-in from all departments. Accessibility isn’t just the responsibility of one team—it affects everyone. Getting leadership and team members across the board to understand this and contribute can be complex but is key to success."
Balancing Technology with Human-Centric Design
How do you integrate technology advancements with user-friendly design in accessibility?
Tanya: "Technology can be a fantastic enabler, but it’s the human-centric approach that ensures it’s used effectively. For instance, using AI in accessibility tools is great, but it’s important to ensure these tools are actually helpful for users rather than just ‘innovative’ for innovation’s sake."
What trends or advancements in accessibility are you most excited about?
Tanya: "I’m excited about the growing awareness and commitment to accessibility across industries. Tools are becoming smarter, and there’s more emphasis on inclusive design from the start. We’re at a point where accessibility is starting to become mainstream, which is incredible."
Practical Advice and the Importance of Accessibility
What would you advise companies that are just starting their accessibility journey?
Tanya: "Start small, but make accessibility a priority from day one. Even small changes can make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to reach out for guidance, learn from others, and adapt as you grow. It’s not about perfection but about constant improvement."
Any final words on why accessibility is so important?
Tanya: "Accessibility isn’t just a feature or a requirement. It’s a way to make sure we’re creating products and experiences that everyone can enjoy. When you make something accessible, you’re opening doors for so many people, and that’s what matters."
