Constructing an accessibility elevator pitch

Everyone in accessibility needs an accessibility elevator pitch

Sheri Byrne-Haber, CPACC

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Bank of elevator buttons G, M, 2–6 with braille, 6th floor is lit up
Photo by Arisa Chattasa on Unsplash

Authors note: Because of Medium’s refusal to address its accessibility issues for both authors and readers, I’ve moved my last three years of blogs to Substack. Please sign up there for notices of all new articles. Also, I will be updating older articles (like this one) and the updates will only be published on Substack. Thank you for your continued readership and support.

Accessibility elevator pitches are essential for two reasons:

  1. Introducing yourself and explaining what you do.
  2. Immediate, pre-programmed come-backs to people who express disinterest in accessibility.

What is an accessibility elevator pitch?

An accessibility elevator pitch is a quick summary of who you are and what you want the person you are speaking with to engage in with respect to accessibility. Like a regular elevator pitch, it should be shorter than the amount of time it takes to ride an elevator which makes it roughly 30 -45 seconds or 75–90 words.

Why are elevator pitches important?

Elevator pitches are amazing ways to start a conversation with anyone, anywhere…

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Sheri Byrne-Haber, CPACC

LinkedIn Top Voice for Social Impact 2022. UX Collective Author of the Year 2020. Disability Inclusion SME. Sr Staff Accessibility Architect @ VMware.