In a powerful episode of Beyond Barriers, Brian Gavin spoke with accessibility advocate and entrepreneur Deidre Guy about the challenges and triumphs of creating a more inclusive world. Deidre’s personal experiences with invisible disabilities and her work in accessibility consulting and advocacy shed light on the importance of empathy, education, and proactive planning. This conversation offers actionable insights for accessibility professionals and organizations striving to make a difference.
A Personal Journey to Accessibility
Deidre’s path to accessibility advocacy began with her own experiences as someone living with invisible disabilities, including PTSD and severe fragrance sensitivity. “I’ve always been someone who can’t stand injustice,” she shared, recounting how these personal challenges fueled her passion for creating fairer systems. A turning point came when she witnessed a woman with mobility challenges fall in a public space due to inadequate design. That moment inspired Deidre to dedicate her career to accessibility, starting with the built environment and later expanding to include procurement and advocacy for disabled and veteran-owned businesses.
The Importance of Addressing Invisible Disabilities
One of the core themes of the conversation was the persistent stigma surrounding invisible disabilities like mental health conditions and sensory sensitivities. Deidre explained how this stigma often forces people to hide their struggles, leading to feelings of isolation and imposter syndrome. “For years, I couldn’t tell my boss I couldn’t come in because of my PTSD—I had to say I had the flu,” she said.
Deidre called for greater empathy and understanding in professional and social settings, emphasizing that invisible disabilities are just as impactful as visible ones. “We need to create environments where people feel comfortable sharing their needs without fear of judgment,” she urged.
Accessibility Starts with Design
Deidre stressed the importance of planning for accessibility from the outset, both in the physical and digital spaces. Too often, accessibility is treated as a last-minute addition or a “band-aid” fix. This reactive approach not only increases costs but also perpetuates inequities.
“Whether you’re designing a building or a website, accessibility should be integrated from the beginning,” she said. Deidre highlighted the parallels between physical building codes and digital standards like WCAG, pointing out that meeting the minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee a positive user experience. “You can meet code and still create a building—or a website—that’s inaccessible to many people.”
Breaking Down Barriers in Procurement
In addition to her work in consulting, Deidre founded a nonprofit organization to support disabled and veteran-owned businesses in gaining access to corporate supply chains. Through initiatives like matchmaking events, she connected small business owners with procurement professionals, helping to break down stereotypes and open doors.
“Many people were amazed at the innovation and relevance of these businesses,” Deidre shared. She recounted how these events not only empowered business owners but also helped buyers unlearn their biases about what people with disabilities can achieve. “The conversations removed the ‘face’ of disability and allowed the focus to be on the value these businesses bring.”
The Role of Legislation and Advocacy
Deidre acknowledged that government legislation plays a critical role in advancing accessibility but warned against relying solely on mandates. “Unfortunately, many people won’t prioritize accessibility until it’s legislated, much like seatbelt laws,” she said. However, she also pointed out that poorly designed or conflicting regulations can create confusion and hinder progress.
To address these challenges, Deidre advocates for greater collaboration between governments, private industry, and the disability community. “We need to ensure that the voices of people with disabilities are included in the creation of policies and plans,” she emphasized.
Conclusion
Deidre closed the conversation with a powerful message for organizations and individuals alike: “Consider accessibility first. Whatever you’re planning—big or small—include accessibility from the start and engage with the disability community to ensure your efforts truly meet their needs.”
This proactive, inclusive mindset is essential for creating equitable environments where everyone can thrive. As Deidre reminded us, “Most of us will experience a disability at some point in our lives. Accessibility isn’t just about helping others—it’s about building a better world for all of us.”
