I’ve been around WordPress long enough to see how often accessibility gets treated like a checkbox: a last-minute task squeezed in before launch. Or worse, an optional feature, to address only if there’s budget left over.
I think both approaches miss the point completely.
Accessibility isn’t an edge case. It’s the baseline for building things that work for everyone.
Especially in Canada.
In this country we have a deep commitment to inclusion — not just as policy, but as a cultural value. From coast to coast, we’re proud of our diversity and our social responsibility. We recognize that public goods, like the web, need to begin and end with everyone in mind.
Everyone.
Including people with disabilities. People with different learning needs. People at every age, and people using assistive tech. All of those folks, those people, are a vital part of every user base.
When we treat accessibility as a core value instead of an afterthought, something amazing happens: our work gets better for everyone.
Navigation gets clearer. Content is easier to understand. Interactions get more consistent— and easier for all of us to use. And above all, we build trust. Because we’ve shown we’re thinking way past what’s convenient and far beyond what’s trendy.
Real Innovation Starts with Inclusion
It’s easy to chase the latest flashy design trend (especially if someone’s already coded it up in a cool new JavaScript framework!) But real innovation in the WordPress space — and on the open web — starts with solving real problems for real people. That means building tools and experiences that are usable and equitable first. Then you can worry about what’s impressive in a portfolio.
When we lead with accessibility, we are not limiting creativity. We’re expanding it. We’re building smarter, more sustainable codebases—and systems that adapt and scale. We’re writing better documentation—and sending a clear message: you belong here.
Canada’s Role in the Global Web
As Canadians, we have a real opportunity to model accessibility-first thinking on the global stage: our government has made accessibility the law. Our developers and designers build WCAG and usability into everything they do. And our WordPress community is full of people who care deeply about equity, inclusion, and doing the right thing — even when no one’s watching.
We’ve already seen this in action at WordCamps across the country. Talks that make the case for accessible design. Workshops that teach inclusive development. Communities that make sure events welcome everyone.
We don’t just have the knowledge — we have the will.
Accessibility at Carleton
Carleton University is an especially great Canadian example of leadership in accessibility. WordCamp Ottawa has convened at Carleton in the past, but it will be my first time there in October. When we landed on Carleton as our venue, I started to research it so I could start describing the amenities to prospective sponsors, speakers, and attendees.
Accessibility came up a lot!
All of Carleton University’s 45 buildings are wheelchair accessible over ground. Richcraft Hall’s theatre and classrooms have accessible door buttons, adjustable height podiums, assistive listening devices, and flexible seating.
There’s accessible parking. There’s a para transpo system that connects with all of Ottawa and the 211 system. There’s a tunnel and skyway network connecting all campus buildings. There’s support for service animals.
The Accessibility Commons brings together all of Carleton’s numerous, multifaceted accessibility services, programs, systems, and resources.
Unsurprisingly, Carleton’s Accessibility Institute is the national headquarters of the Canadian Accessibility Network and has a unique, multidiciplinary, post-graduate Collaborative Specialization in Accessibility program.
Everyone Benefits from Accessible Spaces
As Cathy noted in a previous post, everyone will deal with disability in some form at some point in their lives. If you’re over 50, like me, odds are you also struggle reading small print especially in low light. For others, it’s worse or maybe it’s hearing loss.
For me, it’s a lifelong, progressive, neuromuscular disease that (combined with age and injuries) limits my mobility more and more.
I don’t have huge needs, but I notice the significant barriers and limitations more when I’m in very inaccessible spaces that are hard to navigate on foot, require a lot of walking — or worse, climbing or prolonged standing in place.
At WordCamps I’m on my feet more than usual, and I usually just accept the discomfort, which is easier when I’m having fun. But I don’t look forward to the flights and airports.
I am looking forward to exploring the Carleton campus, coming from the airport and going downtown on the O-train, and spending time in and around Richcraft Hall.
Let’s Keep Leading
If you’re part of the WordPress community — whether as a builder, a contributor, or a content creator — I challenge you to stop thinking about accessibility as an enhancement. See it as a foundation.
It’s not about compliance. It’s care.
Let’s make accessibility something we’re known for — not just in Canada, but across the WordPress ecosystem.
Let’s lead with values. With empathy. And build the web we all deserve.
Join us at WordCamp Canada!
Get your tickets, bring your curiosity, and join us in Ottawa this fall for an unforgettable celebration of WordPress, community, and the open web! 🌐
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now, and we’ve secured discount rates for you at area hotels. 🏨
