Mike Smith’s Post

Following my mum’s debilitating stroke in 2016, was the first time I began to see the world through the eyes of people living with a disability. Things one would assume would be simple like catching a train or visiting a restaurant became a veritable minefield of hazards. My sister Alma Marshall and I would frequently have to scope out plans in advance to ensure appropriate ramps or check out restaurants to ensure there were no random steps that could ruin plans. I can only imagine what it must be like for people for whom this is their reality day in, day out. Fortunately, organisations and governments are becoming more aware of universal experience design principles that ensure better accessibility and usability of public spaces. Today I’m sharing some tips on how you can use DEI principles for community engagement that can assist with EX/CX/UX, Here’s why: 1. Universal Design: By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity, we create solutions that serve a broader audience and address diverse needs. 2. Co-Design with Communities: Engaging communities directly in the design process ensures their voices are heard, fostering greater buy-in and trust. 3. Supporting Vulnerable Groups: By consciously including the most vulnerable populations, we ensure that solutions are equitable and comprehensive. Embracing DEI not only enriches our projects but also builds stronger, more resilient communities. Let’s commit to making inclusive engagement a cornerstone of our work. #DEI #CommunityEngagement #InclusiveDesign #UniversalDesign #CoDesign #Equity Tagging some of my past and present XD friends and colleagues Leon Doyle Robbie Robertson Katherine Milesi Marta Tomczyk Gemma W. Rowan Muller Shruti Thiruchelvam

Excited to share that Today, I'll be speaking at the 2024 Nonprofit Technology Conference in Portland, Oregon #24ntc. Nichole Bui and I will be sharing our experience in building enterprise products with people in mind: "How to involve people with disabilities in the design process" As technology leaders, we'll be diving into the heart of designing with and for people with disabilities. It's not just about meeting standards; it's about genuinely engaging with people to create more accessible, effective solutions. Designing inclusively from the start isn't just good practice—it's a path to innovation that avoids costly fixes and ensures our products serve everyone, beautifully. Key Takeaways: Involve People with Disabilities: Their insights are invaluable in creating user-centric designs that truly matter. It's About People, Not Compliance: Accessibility goes beyond checkboxes; it's about genuine inclusion and understanding. Join me in embracing #accessibility and #ux not just as a guideline but as a principle that guides every step of our design process and truly make technology accessible to all, because it's about people, not compliance. Hope to see you there or stay tuned for more insights! https://lnkd.in/dMpuz-7C

🚀 Transforming Aging Access in Massachusetts We recently partnered with Mass Aging Access (formerly Mass HomeCare) to help rebrand and build a modern website that supports their mission of empowering 27 aging service agencies statewide. 🔍 The Challenge Their old brand didn't fully capture their expanded mission. Aging Access needed a new identity and a user-friendly platform to connect seniors and families with essential services. 🛠️ Our Solutions 1. Brand Identity: Created a vibrant new logo and visual theme around "Access," symbolizing connection and forward movement. 2. Clear Messaging: Developed content highlighting their commitment to expanding access to vital services. 3. Key Features: - A Member Lookup Tool to connect users to local aging agencies. - A centralized Event Calendar for streamlined community engagement. - A Career & Volunteer Directory to boost the visibility of service opportunities. 🌐 The Result A fully transformed brand and website (agingaccess.org) in just 28 weeks, positioning them as a go-to resource for aging services across Massachusetts. Thank you to Ellen Taintor for working with us on the project and for trusting us to help amplify your impact! #NonprofitWebsite #WebDesign #BrandStrategy #AgingServices #118Group

This session is so important for many not-for-profits and small/medium businesses to ensure their products and services are accessible to customers and employees.

Did you know? 🤔 1 in 5 people have a disability, which means that a significant portion of your potential customers might face challenges accessing your services. How accessible is your business? Inclusivity isn't just a buzzword—it's a crucial element to reach a wider audience and ensure everyone can engage with your brand. It's a key to unlocking a larger customer base and fostering a more connected community. Join our Inclusive Design Workshop to learn how to make your business more accessible and welcoming for all. This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to create a more inclusive environment for your customers. Together, we can create a more inclusive world. Your participation in our Inclusive Design Workshop is a step towards this shared goal. If you want more information then let me know in the comments and Lauren or myself will be in touch. #DidYouKnow #InclusiveDesign #PathwayToGrowth #BusinessSuccess #AccessibilityMatters

Public consultations are the cornerstone of community engagement, yet too often they fall short of their intended purpose. Part two of out consultation series is live! Susan O. delves deep into the common pitfalls and challenges that plague traditional consultation methods. 🔄 Repetition of Voices: One of the most glaring issues is the repetition of the same voices in public consultations. This not only limits the diversity of perspectives but also perpetuates existing power dynamics within communities. 🚧 Barriers to Participation: Accessibility barriers, such as language, timing, and format, pose significant challenges for many community members. Addressing these barriers is essential to ensuring equitable participation for all. 💡 Rethinking Engagement Strategies: Traditional consultation methods often fail to adapt to the evolving needs of communities. By embracing innovative engagement strategies and prioritizing inclusivity, we can create more meaningful and impactful consultation processes. At QuakeLab, we're obsessed with getting messy with big problems, and sometimes, the thing we've been doing the same way for a long time, is a big problem looking us dead in the eye. Read the full blog post https://lnkd.in/gDM-kx-e 🌐 #EquityAsATechnicalSkill #CommunityEngagement #PublicConsultation #MunicipalConsultation #Equity

Discover the Power of Accessibility As a business, how confident are you in your accessibility strategies? Let's explore: **Diverse Access Methods:** Do you provide alternative formats for disabled clients, such as Braille, large print, or bite-sized teaching? **Inclusive Marketing:** Is it evident in your marketing that you are inclusive and have a clear, actionable inclusion strategy? **Language Sensitivity:** Are your course materials and social media posts free from ableist language? **Inclusive Events:** Are your in-person events inclusive and representative, offering speaking opportunities, visual representation, and accessible venues? **Accessible Websites:** Have you invested in or worked towards an accessible website for people with disabilities? More businesses are recognising the immense potential of the disabled economy. Are you prepared to tap into a market where the purple pound's potential is barely scratched? If you're ready to see how inclusion can enhance your business’s inclusivity and profitability, contact us for a DEI health check today. Let's make your business accessible to all!

Is your ramp up to code? Learn about the 5 most common mistakes Moddex Group see that can make your access ramp non-compliant: https://ow.ly/3ejl50T6eZL #Moddex #AccessibilityMatters #RampDesign #BuildingStandards #SafetyFirst #AccessibilityForAll #SafeSpaces #UrbanDesign #Community #Accessibility #SocialSustainability #InclusionMatters

Ubuntu studio_Design practice Inclusive design, Community engagement, Social impact, Collaborative Design, Ethical considerations. #wemakeithappen#designservices#design#architecture#interior#exhibitions#socialimpact

🤩 We're excited! Later this month, we'll participate in an online design workshop with We Are Open Co-op and California State University-Dominguez Hills to build a #communityofpractice that will create a digital space to promote access and training in digital technologies in the CSUDH community. What makes this workshop unique? ➞The approach to building a "minimum viable community of practice" (MVCoP) focuses on intentional, inclusive, and engaging community spaces. →Using the Architecture of Participation (AoP) framework, we'll create a community that empowers individuals to co-create, share knowledge, and foster professional and personal growth. 🔗 Click to learn more about #MVCoPs, the role of #CoPs in #lifelonglearning, and how our upcoming #designworkshop will pave the way for collaborative and organic community growth. https://lnkd.in/etgDU2uF Krystal Rawls, Ph.D.