Newsroom

The Economist’s Ableist Blunder – What happened: Last week, a media frenzy erupted following President Joe Biden’s less-than-ideal debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27. Both men gave voters pause with rambling replies and inaccurate statements. Biden’s age took on a media blast of its own.

What do mainstream conferences get wrong about including presenters with disabilities? Matisse Hamel Nelis discusses more.

Amazon had an Accessibility event in Toronto last week where they showed off some new smart home technology. Matisse Hamel-Nelis was there, and she shares what stood out to her.

As a public relations (PR) and strategic communications educator at Durham College (DC), I’ve embarked on a profound journey toward creating a classroom where every student is seen, heard and supported.

My dedication to digital accessibility is more than compliance. Access to information is a human right, so it plays a massive role in every decision I make as an educator and professional communicator. It’s about dismantling barriers and creating a learning environment that welcomes everyone equally. By embedding these principles into my teaching, I hope to instill a lifelong commitment to inclusivity in my students.

So, how do I ensure I’m being inclusive by being accessible in the classroom?

The International Association of Business Communicators hosted the Ovation Awards in Toronto last week. Matisse Hamel-Nelis recaps the event.

As a PR professional today, digital accessibility is not just a technical requirement; it’s a strategic asset that can significantly enhance your toolkit. By ensuring your digital content is accessible, you not only comply with various legal standards but also open your brand to a broader audience, enriching user engagement and ultimately positively impacting your bottom line.

In this NOW with Dave Brown Highlight: The #a11yTO Camp took place over the weekend in Toronto. Matisse Hamel-Nelis attended and shared some of her takeaways from the event.

When it comes to public relations (PR) and communications, we’ve seen digital accessibility come to the forefront of our work — not just as a legal obligation, but as a strategic imperative. Ensuring that messages are universally accessible is paramount for organizations aiming to foster inclusivity and reach broader audiences.

The a11yTO Camp took place over the weekend in Toronto. Matisse Hamel-Nelis was there and shares some of her takeaways from the event.

Today’s world is a constantly shifting kaleidoscope of cultures, languages, backgrounds, and abilities. Recognizing and adapting to this diverse environment is vital in the business landscape. This is particularly true for professional communicators, who are the architects of their organizations’ public face and voice. Indeed, an integrated approach towards inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) is no longer a luxury but a prerequisite for successful communication.