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P E E R T O P E E R M A G A Z I N E · W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 23 disrupt captioning. Flexibility and contingency planning are essential. For organizations new to accessibility, Arnott offers reassurance: "The best time to start was a while ago, but the second-best time is today." Begin by learning core tools like alt text, captions, and descriptive links, and practice using them in everyday situations. Explore resources like WebAIM for automated site evaluations and guidance on standards. Accessibility is a mindset. As Arnott notes, focusing on accessibility strengthens an organization's connection to its content. Breaking information into clear parts, such as what goes in alt text and what belongs in the main narrative, helps clarify goals and improve communication. Over time, these practices become routine, enhancing both user experience and organizational efficiency. THE ILTA EXPERIENCE At ILTA, we are proud to have a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, but we recognize that accessibility is an area we are still growing within. Over the past few years, we have taken steps to make our digital and in-person experiences more inclusive, and we are committed to doing even more. On our website, we have added the UserWay accessibility widget. This tool offers visitors options to adjust contrast, font size, and even switch to dyslexia- friendly fonts. Small changes can create a big difference. We also developed a web guide for our team, covering basics like adding alt text to images and writing clear, descriptive link text instead of the dreaded "Click Here." For in-person events, we provide support for attendees with visual or hearing impairments and ensure information about mobility assistance is easy to find. These efforts are helpful, but we know they are just the beginning. Looking ahead, we expect to launch our third survey on diversity, engagement, and culture across the ILTA community in 2026. Keep an eye out for it mid-year; it is a significant opportunity for members to share feedback and help shape the future of inclusion at ILTA. Accessibility is more than a box to check; it's an ongoing responsibility. Our goal is to move beyond treating it as an optional extra and to make it a fundamental part of how we operate. We will keep listening, learning, and improving because everyone deserves to feel included. THE FUTURE OF ACCESSIBLE GOVERNANCE As technology evolves, so do opportunities for inclusion. Artificial intelligence can improve captioning accuracy, while adaptive interfaces let users customize digital environments to suit their needs. However, technology alone cannot solve accessibility challenges. Governance must prioritize human-centered design, ongoing feedback, and cultural change. Accessibility is fundamental, a core value, and not a privilege or luxury. By integrating inclusive practices into governance, we build systems that reflect the diversity of human experience and uphold the principles of equity and justice. ERIKA EMRICK is the Manager of IT Operations at ILTA and a proud member of ILTA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. A long-time ILTA member, though she didn't realize it at first, Erika spent 16 years as an intranet administrator at Bingham McCutchen before joining the ILTA Staff in 2015. She is passionate about fostering inclusive environments and advancing accessibility in technology and governance.

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