Issue #12 • 11 March 2025

Hi Reader.

The world of digital accessibility feels chaotic right now.

• Starting in June, the European Accessibility Act will require anyone doing business in the EU to have accessible digital products and services.
• The ADA web + mobile rule rolling out over the next couple years mandates that all US federal, state, and local websites and apps must be accessible.
• The Trump administration issued an executive order ending all federal DEIA programs, emboldening several large corporations to do the same.
• 16 states then issued a statement affirming that DEIA is lawful and best practice,, while 17 other states sued to block Section 054, a key disability rights law.

With all this uncertainty and mixed messaging, staying optimistic can be tough.

That's why I really appreciate Lainey Feingold's digital accessibility joy plan as a way to cultivate a sense of purpose,,agency, and fulfillment amidst the turmoil. Joy plans can focus on specific areas like digital accessibility or broader quality of life.

I am creating my own a11y joy plan to help me stay focused and positive, and I want to share some of it's key practices with you.

• Add one accessibility enhancement to every UI/UX change I make in my day job.
• Build community with people with disabilities.
• Connect regularly with other digital accessibility practitioners for support and inspiration.
• Explore the potential of AI for digital accessibility.
• Develop a new digital accessibility web browser extension this year (details to come).

Do you have a joy plan, or are you thinking about creating one? I’d love to hear how you stay hopeful and motivated—reply and let’s encourage each other!

CSUN 2025 is here!

I'm so excited to be at the 40th annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference this week. If you’re attending, I’d love to connect and chat about accessibility. Be sure to join me for my session Building Empathy with Stakeholders to Drive Accessibility on Wednesday afternoon. Hope to see you!

From the blog

The best of axe-con 2025 Last month's axe-con conference was great! Here are some of my favorite sessions covering topics like the latest in digital accessibility laws, designing for Gen Z, and...zombies? View axe-con sessions

Throwback - Disability is part of everyone's life, and that's a good thing! Let's shift our mindset about the scope, definition, and stereotypes of disability. Expand your thinking

Accessibility around the web

• ​Did the US Government Cancel Accessibility? - a11y Quest​
  Thoughts on recent executive orders related to DEIA (where 'A' stands for accessibility) and why your organization should not reduce its accessibility initiatives.
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• ​When to Use Lists for Better Accessibility - Scott Vinkle​
  Lists help structure content effectively, but using them properly is essential for accessibility. This article covers when to use ordered, unordered, and definition lists—and when they may reduce usability. Discover best practices for semantic HTML, screen reader navigation, and making your content more inclusive for all users.
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• ​Alt text for avatars and user photos - Nicolas Steenhout​
  Some good thoughts on how to best caption user avatars or user photos with some compelling examples.

Have a marvelous March!

Simon Miner Pedal Point Solutions

Need help with web accessibility testing, treatment, or training? Pedal Point Solutions offers a free assessment of your website.

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