Sam Proulx Part 3: how Fable is Building Web Accessibility Beyond Compliance

In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan sits down with Sam Proulx to dig deep into Fable, a company helping major brands improve web accessibility through real testing by people with disabilities. Sam explains what Fable is, how it started in Canada, and how it grew from a small group of screen reader users into a multinational accessibility testing community that now includes people who use screen magnification, alternative navigation methods (switch control, eye gaze, voice dictation), and more.Sam and Evan talk about why accessibility can’t stop at checkbox compliance, and why real usability and joy matter just as much as meeting standards. Sam shares a helpful analogy: requirements are like building codes for architects—essential, but not enough to create something people actually enjoy using. They also explore how accessibility needs change based on context (banking vs social media vs gaming), and why “fit for purpose” matters.Later, Sam breaks down how companies work with Fable through subscriptions (with monthly requests that don’t roll over to encourage ongoing testing) or project-based engagements for agencies and smaller orgs. He also explains how individuals can join the Fable testing community, what training looks like, how requests are offered, and why the waitlist exists (so testers actually get meaningful paid work). The conversation closes with a strong message about networking, disability employment, and building accessible futures—together with allies.Join Fable’s tester community: makeitfable.com/communityLearn about Fable: makeitfable.com(Mentioned) Community page path: makeitfable.com/community (and “/slash community” as spoken)Aftersight / Blind Level Tech feedback:Email: [email protected]: 720-712-8856Show CreditsShow: Blind Level Tech (Aftersight Original)Host: Evan StarnesGuest: Samuel “Sam” Proulx (Fable)Organization Mentioned: Fable (web accessibility testing and auditing)producer: Evan Starnes (00:00) - — Holiday intro + setting up the episode (02:16) - — What is Fable? (02:53) - — How Fable started (founders + early days) (06:43) - — Expanding the disability testing community (10:55) - — Beyond WCAG: accessible and enjoyable (12:42) - — “Fit for purpose” accessibility (14:55) - — How companies engage Fable (subscriptions + requests) (17:16) - — Project-based testing + agency model (19:43) - — Balancing disability leadership with allies (25:02) - — How to join Fable as a tester (32:34) - — Where accessibility is heading (34:15) - — Wrap-up + networking + disability employment ★ Support this podcast ★