Empowering accessibility: GitHub’s journey building an in-house Champions program

As part of GitHub’s dedication to accessibility, we expanded our internal accessibility program and scaled up our assessment process to help remove or lower barriers for users with disabilities. Then, we empowered employees from various disciplines to drive accessibility efforts within their teams.

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GitHub
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Carie Fisher
•8 min read•intermediate•
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Overview

The article discusses GitHub's Accessibility Champions program, which aims to empower employees to enhance accessibility across the platform. It highlights the program's development, the importance of feedback, and the commitment to fostering an inclusive digital experience for all users.

What You'll Learn

1

How to implement a decentralized accessibility program within your organization

2

Why continuous feedback is crucial for program improvement

3

When to scale an accessibility initiative from a small pilot to a larger program

Key Questions Answered

What is the purpose of GitHub's Accessibility Champions program?
The GitHub Accessibility Champions program aims to empower employees across various disciplines to drive accessibility efforts within their teams. This initiative fosters a culture where accessibility is valued and integrated into the development process, ensuring that all users, including those with disabilities, can fully participate in the platform.
How did GitHub gather feedback to improve the Accessibility Champions program?
GitHub actively sought feedback from participants to shape the program's evolution. This included organizing monthly Champions Connect meetings and hands-on bug bashes, allowing champions to share insights and collaborate on accessibility challenges, which helped enhance engagement and program effectiveness.
What training resources are provided in the Accessibility Champions program?
Participants receive training on digital accessibility fundamentals, including WCAG guidelines, inclusive design principles, and best practices for content and interface accessibility. The curriculum is tailored to different learning styles and delivered through videos, articles, and interactive exercises.
What are the key takeaways for organizations starting accessibility initiatives?
Key takeaways include starting with a small pilot group, seeking feedback, and collaborating across teams. Organizations should assess their current situation, engage enthusiastic stakeholders, and continuously monitor the impact of their accessibility initiatives to ensure effectiveness and sustainability.

Key Statistics & Figures

Number of initial champions in the program
17
The program began with a small group of 17 engineering champions serving as pioneers in the initiative.
Current number of champions in the program
52
The program has expanded to include 52 champions from various backgrounds, with plans to reach over 100 internal champions.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Establish clear goals and responsibilities for accessibility champions to ensure program success.
By defining measurable objectives, organizations can track the impact of their accessibility initiatives and align efforts across teams, fostering a culture of inclusivity.
2
Implement regular feedback mechanisms to adapt and improve accessibility training.
Gathering participant feedback allows organizations to refine their programs, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of employees and effectively address accessibility challenges.
3
Start small with a pilot program to test and iterate on accessibility initiatives.
This approach enables organizations to gather valuable insights and make necessary adjustments before scaling up, ensuring the program is effective and sustainable.

Common Pitfalls

1
Neglecting to incorporate feedback from participants can hinder the effectiveness of accessibility programs.
Without regular feedback, organizations may miss opportunities to address the specific needs and challenges faced by employees, leading to a less effective initiative.