How big business is making accessibility a real standard
10.01.2026
Articles
In today's world, accessibility is no longer a ‘social bonus’ or marketing ploy. For responsible businesses, it is a basic standard — in products, services, workspaces, and communications. And the key here is not slogans, but systemic solutions.
Microsoft
The company operates on the principle of inclusive design, where accessibility is built in from the outset:
- Windows and Office have built-in screen readers, voice control, and flexible contrast settings;
- products are tested with people with disabilities, not ‘for them.’
Accessibility is integrated into everyday digital services:
- automatic subtitles and live captioning in Google Meet;
- advanced accessibility settings in Android;
- services for people with visual, hearing, and cognitive impairments.
IKEA
The company approaches inclusion through the design of spaces and objects:
- furniture that takes into account different physical abilities;
- accessible showrooms with wide aisles and clear navigation;
- separate product lines for people with motor impairments.
Starbucks
Barrier-free access is part of the customer experience and personnel policy:
- adapted coffee shops with accessible entrances and restrooms;
- training staff in ethical and correct interaction;
- employment of people with disabilities, including in specialised establishments.
Unilever
The company works with inclusion at the level of culture and communication:
- advertising campaigns without stereotypes;
- accessible product labelling;
- internal equality and diversity policies.
Why it matters
Barrier-free business:
- expands the customer base;
- increases trust in the brand;
- makes companies more resilient and competitive;
- fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunities.
For Ukraine, these examples are not ‘ideal experiences from abroad’ but clear guidelines. Business can and should be a partner in building a barrier-free society.
Barrier-free access is not an optional extra.
It is the new norm in modern business.
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Articles
How big business is making accessibility a real standard
In today's world, accessibility is no longer a ‘social bonus’ or marketing ploy. For responsible businesses, it is a basic standard — in products, services, workspaces, and communications. And the key here is not slogans, but systemic solutions. Microsoft The company operates on the principle of inclusive design, where accessibility is built in from the outset: Windows and Office have built-in screen readers, voice control, and flexible contrast settings; products are tested with people with disabilities, not ‘for them.’ Google Accessibility is integrated into everyday digital services: automatic subtitles and live captioning in Google Meet; advanced accessibility settings in Android; services for people with visual, hearing, and cognitive impairments. IKEA The company approaches inclusion through the design of spaces and objects: furniture that takes into account different physical abilities; accessible showrooms with wide aisles and clear navigation; separate product lines for people with motor impairments. Starbucks Barrier-free access is part of the customer experience and personnel policy: adapted coffee shops with accessible entrances and restrooms; training staff in ethical and correct interaction; employment of people with disabilities, including in specialised establishments. Unilever The company works with inclusion at the level of culture and communication: advertising campaigns without stereotypes; accessible product labelling; internal equality and diversity policies. Why it matters Barrier-free business: expands the customer base; increases trust in the brand; makes companies more resilient and competitive; fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunities. For Ukraine, these examples are not ‘ideal experiences from abroad’ but clear guidelines. Business can and should be a partner in building a barrier-free society. Barrier-free access is not an optional extra. It is the new norm in modern business.
10.01.2026
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