Accessibility isn't optional: My INBOUND 2025 takeaways

Last month, I had the pleasure of speaking on the main stage at HubSpot’s INBOUND 2025 conference. Sharing my story and the vision we’re driving at Mobility Mojo with thousands of people from all over the world was both humbling and energising. 

Onstage, I shared our company’s core belief that accessibility isn't a side issue. It’s fundamental to business, innovation and human dignity.  When we create welcoming, accessible spaces, everyone benefits. 

In this blog, I will share some of the key messages from my talk and the takeaways that I hope every organisation can carry forward.

Why I talk about discomfort

I often say that one of my superpowers is making people uncomfortable. I do this not for the sake of awkwardness, but because discomfort forces people to confront truths they may otherwise ignore. When the Irish Prime Minister once reached out to shake my hand, only to realise I couldn’t physically respond, his embarrassment changed the entire dynamic of our conversation. That uncomfortable moment led to a series of decisions that had real, lasting impact.

At INBOUND, I wanted to pass on that same challenge — to inspire a willingness to sit with discomfort, because that’s where change begins.

Two sides of the screen

I began by asking the audience to imagine their life playing on a split screen. On one side, the everyday freedoms most of us take for granted — moving through the world without thinking twice. 

On the other side, the same world viewed through a different lens — imagining the doors you can’t get through, spaces that shrink around you and opportunities that disappear.

At 18, after an accident left me paralysed from the neck down, I suddenly found myself living on the other side of that screen. What was once invisible became impossible to ignore. 

But here’s the thing. Accessibility isn’t just about me, or about people with visible disabilities. It affects everyone, every day, often in ways we don’t realise.

Imagine how much easier it is for an older person or someone caring for a small child to use an accessible space. Think about subtitles on your phone, large print on a restaurant menu or ramps that end up being used just as much by delivery drivers as wheelchair users. Accessibility designed for one group often benefits everyone.

The biggest untapped market in the world

I want to share a few key statistics:

• 1 in 6 people globally (1.3 billion) live with a disability.

• 70% of disabilities are invisible.

• 80% of people with disabilities are unemployed.

That makes people with accessibility needs the largest minority group in the world, and the only one you can join overnight.

Yet far too often, businesses still treat accessibility as an afterthought. That’s a mistake, because prioritizing inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s smart business. Companies that embrace accessibility consistently outperform their peers. Research shows they're more innovative, four times more likely to deliver stronger shareholder returns, and better able to recruit and retain talented staff.

Beyond compliance

Of course, regulation matters too. 

In Europe, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) is raising the bar by demanding accessibility across both digital and physical environments. Similar laws are appearing worldwide. 

At Mobility Mojo, we’ve been helping organisations get ahead of this curve with practical guidance and the tools to measure and improve accessibility across their portfolios.

But here’s the point. Compliance is the floor, not the ceiling. If your only motivation is to avoid fines, you’re missing the bigger picture. Accessibility is a foundation for opportunity, innovation and dignity. 

It should be baked into every part of your organisation. That includes your buildings, your websites, your culture and your customer journey.

Small steps, big impact

Not every accessibility improvement needs to be a huge capital project. At INBOUND, I shared examples of quick wins, such as:

• Updating your website with accurate accessibility information so visitors can plan in advance.

• Repositioning an ATM to avoid screen glare.

• Making sure signage is clear and inclusive.

• Adding captions to videos or providing larger print menus.

These aren’t budget-breaking changes, but they make a tangible difference to real people. Sometimes the simplest adjustments have a big impact.

Universal design in action

Back in school, I remember a new ramp being added to the yard. At first, I wondered why it was needed. Only later did I notice how many people used it – not just the student in a wheelchair, but teachers moving equipment, kids carrying heavy bags and cyclists parking their bikes.

That’s universal design at its core. When you build for those with the greatest need, everyone benefits. It’s a mindset that transforms barriers into opportunities.

Culture and leadership

Accessibility isn’t just a facilities issue or a compliance tick-box. It’s cultural. It requires leadership commitment and team education.

When people with lived experience are part of the conversation, the whole team sees things differently. When leadership makes accessibility a priority, it becomes embedded in business strategy. When teams are educated, accessibility becomes part of daily decision-making, not an afterthought.

At Mobility Mojo, that’s what we help organisations do. Empowering organisations to turn accessibility into a cultural strength, rather than a compliance headache.

Why now?

There has never been a more urgent moment to act.

• Regulation is tightening: The EAA and other frameworks are shifting expectations.

• Demographics are changing: Ageing populations and rising numbers of people with accessibility needs mean demand is growing.

• Technology is advancing: Mobility Mojo’s platform makes it easier than ever to audit, benchmark and improve accessibility consistently and cost-effectively.

 
Businesses that embrace accessibility now won’t just comply with regulations. They’ll lead in innovation, reputation and customer trust.

My takeaway from INBOUND 2025

On that stage, I wanted to leave the audience with one message.

Accessibility isn't an afterthought. It isn’t something to worry about later. It’s a foundation for the future of work, business and society.

True accessibility means creating spaces, products and experiences that everyone can use and enjoy. It means seeing inclusion not as a burden, but as an opportunity. And it means having the courage to start uncomfortable conversations that lead to extraordinary change.

 A final word

At Mobility Mojo, our mission is simple.

We want to make sure the world is open and welcoming for everyone. That commitment means helping organisations bridge the gap between good intentions and real action.

Our team is ready to help you build accessibility into the heart of your organisation. It’s easier than you might think — and the benefits are worth it.