Today is a day to celebrate disabled people and the expertise they carry. I am proud of the work we have been part of this year, and proud of the many Deaf and disabled community members who trusted us with their time, insight, and lived experience.
Across our projects this year, one of the things that stood out most was the strength of our Accessibility Assemblies. These sessions brought Deaf and disabled participants together in a structured way, backed by real planning, thoughtful agendas, and clear reporting. People showed up ready to talk about what access looks like in everyday life, what supports real inclusion, and what gets in the way. It reminded me that the best work happens when disabled people lead the conversation and we listen with intention.
But the Assemblies were only one part of a bigger year. We spent months reviewing documents, testing digital spaces with screen readers, rolling through buildings with community members, and working with staff teams who want to understand accessibility beyond policy. We saw the value of small details, the importance of clear communication, and the impact of creating spaces where disabled people can speak openly.
On this day, I want to acknowledge the Deaf and disabled people who shared their experiences with me, the teams who committed to learning, and everyone who helped move accessibility forward in ways both immediate and long lasting. It has been a year of meaningful work and honest conversation, and I am grateful for all of it.
