Angela Fowler on Prioritizing Accessibility in Business

Send us Fan MailNever Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas HelfrichAngela Fowler, founder of Real Life Access, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of making businesses more accessible for people with disabilities. She shares her expertise on digital accessibility, common mistakes businesses make, and why accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about improving user experience for everyone.About Angela Fowler:Angela Fowler is the founder of Real Life Access, a consulting firm dedicated to helping businesses improve accessibility, particularly in the digital space. A passionate advocate for disability inclusion, Angela brings firsthand experience as a blind entrepreneur, educating businesses on how accessibility can be a competitive advantage rather than just a legal requirement.In this episode, Thomas and Angela discuss:Why Accessibility is Good for BusinessAngela explains why accessibility is more than just compliance—it’s about improving customer experience and expanding market reach. She highlights the $2 trillion collective buying power of people with disabilities and why businesses should take this seriously.Common Digital Accessibility MistakesFrom unlabeled buttons to complex user flows, Angela breaks down the most common mistakes businesses make when designing websites and apps. She explains why a frustrating experience can drive away both disabled and non-disabled users.AI and the Future of AccessibilityWhile AI can help identify accessibility issues, Angela warns against relying on automated solutions alone. She shares insights on how businesses can combine AI with human oversight to create truly inclusive experiences.Key Takeaways:Compliance is the Bare MinimumTrue accessibility goes beyond meeting legal requirements—it’s about ensuring a seamless user experience for everyone.Make It Easy for People to Give You MoneyIf your checkout process is overly complicated, you’re losing customers. Angela emphasizes the importance of a simple, accessible user flow.Accessibility Benefits EveryoneMany of the changes that improve accessibility—such as clear navigation, proper labeling, and logical workflows—also enhance usability for all customers."The best businesses aren’t just compliant—they’re accessible, user-friendly, and welcoming to everyone." — Angela FowlerCONNECT WITH ANGELA FOWLER:Website: https://reallifeaccess.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-fowler-a11y/CONNECT WITH THOMAS:X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromotedWebsite: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromotedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/Email: [email protected] the showhttps://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie